K-P Assembly rejects election ordinance

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution against the newly introduced election ordinance.

The resolution, tabled by treasury member Abdul Salam, stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf “believes in freedom and autonomy of institutions, especifically, freedom of the judiciary so that the public can receive timely and affordable justice”.

However, on the other hand, the “rejected government formed through Form 47” has attacked the independent judiciary by appointing a retired judge to the election tribunal in the dark of night through issuing an ordinance.

“Through this ordinance, the government wants to appoint judges of its own choice, which is not acceptable,” the resolution reads.

“Justice and democracy have been killed by this ordinance. This ordinance is being rejected and it is demanded that the ordinance be withdrawn.”

When the resolution was presented for approval in the house, treasury members voted in favour of the resolution while the opposition voted against it, adopting it with majority.

It may be recalled that acting President Yousuf Raza Gillani on Monday gave his seal of approval to two ordinances regarding amendments to the Election Act, 2017 and the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999.

Gillani signed the ordinances as per the recommendation of the Ministry of Law.

Through the new Election Commission Ordinance, amendments have been made to the Election Act 2023, enabling amendments to the law regarding the establishment of the Election Tribunal.

According to the ordinance, retired judges, along with serving judges of high courts, can also be appointed to the Election Tribunal, concerning electoral disputes.

On the other hand, under the NAB Ordinance, the remand of a suspect under custody has been extended from 14 days to 40 days.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29^th, 2024.