Election festivities missing this time

There was a time when the approach of elections in Pakistan was akin to a festive celebration, marked by heightened enthusiasm among contestants and their supporters. The traditional spectacle involved the submission of nomination papers at the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) offices, accompanied by vibrant processions, beating drums, and the exchange of garlands and rose petals.

However, the dynamics surrounding this electoral ritual have undergone a significant shift, particularly for certain political parties, notably the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders. In the past, the vicinity of ECP offices would witness the presence of vendors selling garlands and rose petals, while drummers added a musical rhythm to the electoral fervor.

This atmosphere, once charged with festivity, has now given way to a more somber scenario where the hustle and bustle of vendors has been replaced by the stern faces of law enforcement agencies. The ritualistic process of contestants and their supporters journeying to the ECP and returning officers' offices has transformed.

Read Scrutiny of election nomination papers concludes

Once marked by a slow and deliberate progression, it has evolved into a swift maneuver, with contenders eager to evade the watchful eyes of deployed police personnel.  Unlike the past, when contestants relished their time at ECP offices, the current scenario witnesses a quick in-and-out strategy, with PTI leaders aiming to minimize their exposure to potential police interventions.

Previously, meticulous plans were laid out for the procession toward the ECP offices, with crowds of supporters creating a lively spectacle. However, for PTI leaders, the focus has shifted to devising strategies on how to shield themselves from potential police arrests. The festive ambiance, characterized by vendors selling garlands and rose petals, has been replaced by a more strategic approach.

While PTI contesters navigate the fear of arrests, leaders of other political parties seem to lack the exuberant charm that once defined their engagement with the electoral process. The reasons for this shift remain elusive, whether rooted in a deficit of trust, diminished popularity, or other factors contributing to a subdued electoral fervor.

Read PML-N seeks public input for election manifesto

Against this backdrop, approximately two dozen PTI leaders and their relatives have turned to the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking legal remedies amid the evolving situation. The number of petitions continues to rise, each reflecting concerns unique to the political landscape. In some pleas, contesters or their relatives seek details of both fresh and old First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against them, providing a glimpse into the legal challenges they face.

Other petitions address issues related to police conduct, including complaints of hindrances in submitting nomination papers and allegations of harassment against proposers and seconders. Additionally, grievances are directed at the conduct of returning officers who, in some instances, are accused of refusing to receive nomination papers.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, LHC Chief Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti postponed his holidays, emphasizing the importance of addressing potential complications in the lead-up to the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8. The chief justice ordered the diary branches of the high court in Lahore and Multan to remain open on December 24 and 25 to facilitate the resolution of matters related to the electoral process.

While some cases have been disposed of by the LHC, others remain pending. Notable figures such as Qaisara Elahi, wife of former Punjab CM Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, Qasim Suri, Hammad Azhar, Senator Ijaz Chuadhry, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, and Hassan Niazi have sought legal relief through petitions at the LHC.