In a significant development for local democracy, the Balochistan High Court (BHC) on Monday dismissed all petitions challenging the delimitation process and census data, paving the way for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to proceed with long-delayed local government elections in the province.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Iqbal Ahmed Kasi and Justice Muhammad Najamuddin Mengal announced the reserved verdict while hearing a series of constitutional petitions that had stalled preparations for the polls.
The court ruled that the authority to carry out delimitations lies exclusively with the ECP under the Constitution, emphasizing that judicial interference in the process is not permissible. It observed that the petitioners had neither submitted valid objections during the prescribed period nor presented any evidence suggesting that the rights of voters were violated.
Rejecting arguments against the use of 2017 census data, the bench found no violation of legal or constitutional provisions. All interim orders issued in 2023 that had temporarily restrained the electoral process were also vacated.
The judgment underscored that timely local elections are vital to ensure public participation and effective governance. "The strength and balance of the vote form the foundation of every electoral system," the bench remarked, directing the ECP to complete the electoral process at the earliest.
Legal experts view the decision as a major milestone toward restoring democratic structures at the grassroots level in Balochistan, where local bodies have remained dysfunctional for nearly two years due to litigation and procedural delays. The ruling now clears the last legal hurdle, allowing the ECP to finalize schedules and initiate polling arrangements across the province.
With this verdict, Balochistan moves a step closer to reinstating representative local governance and resuming long-stalled civic development initiatives.
Separately, in a disturbing incident on Monday, unidentified assailants targeted the Tehsil Court in Muskan Kalat, Kharan, setting several government offices ablaze and abducting a man identified as a Qazi, according to local reports.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers entered the court premises, seized a vehicle, and fled the scene after causing extensive damage. The assault created panic among staff and nearby residents, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.
Security forces and district administration officials swiftly reached the site, cordoned off the area, and launched a large-scale search operation to trace the perpetrators. Authorities confirmed that no casualties occurred, though the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
The incident has raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation in the region, with residents expressing concern over the safety of judicial and administrative institutions. Officials have urged citizens to remain vigilant and assist security personnel in their ongoing investigation to restore calm and ensure justice.
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