ECP plea against LHC decision set for hearing

Despite ongoing summer vacations, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the ECP petition on August 19, challenging the Lahore High Court's (LHC) decision regarding the appointment of eight election tribunals in Punjab.

A five-member larger bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, had on July 4 suspended the LHC's June 12 notification that established the tribunals.

The SC also set aside the LHC ruling that gave its chief justice the final authority in appointing tribunals to resolve election disputes.

The top court's ruling had expected a meaningful consultation between LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja to form the tribunals.

Although the two have met, no breakthrough has been reported.

Sources indicate that LHC CJ is reluctant to reconsider the nominees selected by her predecessor for the election tribunals. The ECP's counsel is expected to update the bench on the meeting's outcome during the upcoming hearing.

A senior PTI lawyer told The Express Tribune that a request for CJP Isa's recusal from the case might be submitted, citing reasons similar to those presented by PTI founder Imran Khan in his plea to the three-judge committee.

Senior legal experts consider the outcome of this case crucial for the continuity of the current electoral system, with over one hundred PTI election petitions currently pending in Punjab's tribunals.