Do you want judges to rule in your favour? CJP Isa asks PTI's Salman Akram Raja

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday reserved its verdict on the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) petition challenging the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) order to form election tribunals in Punjab.

A five-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, heard the case, alongside Justices Amin-ud-Din Khan, Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi. 

During the hearing, the CJP questioned PTI’s lawyer Salman Akram Raja, asking if the party wanted judges to rule in their favour.

The court’s attention was drawn to the resolution of the dispute between the ECP and LHC over tribunal formation. Justice Aqeel Abbas confirmed that four tribunals had been established by the LHC Chief Justice, with the remaining four to be appointed by the ECP.

CJP Isa also emphasised that the number of tribunals should correspond with the caseload and cautioned against reducing judicial resources. He stressed that many legal challenges could be avoided if the constitution was fully implemented.

The CJP further criticised media outlets for misreporting legal proceedings, saying the court should not have to issue continuous clarifications.

The court has reserved its judgement and will announce a short order on the election tribunal case soon.