CEC hails SC's decision to dismiss Qadri's petition

Justice (R) Ebrahim says SC has reposed its faith in the EC and that both institutions are on the same track.

ISLAMABAD: Chief Election Commissioner Justice (R) Fakharuddin G Ebrahim on Wednesday hailed the Supreme Court’s decision to throw out Dr Tahirul Qadri’s petition that sought the dissolution of the Election Commission.

“SC has expressed its full confidence in ECP. The commission was constituted in accordance with the constitutional provisions,” Ebrahim said while taking to reporters.

He said the SC and ECP were moving on same track and wanted that elections be held in time.

Meanwhile main opposition party PML-N also appreciated the apex court’s rejection of Dr Qadri’s plea against ECP terming it as victory of democracy.

PML-N leader Senator Tariq Azim said in a statement that the SC’s decision is a major boost for those political parties which want continuity of democracy through free and fair polls under ECP.

“Those calling for the reconstitution of ECP want to derail democracy and pose hurdles to smooth transition of democratic process,” the senator said.

He said that Dr Qadri should relinquish his dual nationality and contest elections if he really wants to bring about change in the country.

ECP for all out efforts

Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan Ishtiaq Ahmed on Wednesday said that all-out efforts would be made for holding fair, free and transparent elections in the country.

Ahmed urged political parties, stakeholders, civil society and the media to help ensure free and transparent elections in the country.

Talking to Pakistan Television, he said that all available resources would be utilised to ensure peace and tranquility near the polling stations. He added that all necessary help would be sought from the law enforcement agencies, Frontier Corps and Army for ensuring security of voters at polling stations.

Some 80,000 polling stations will be established in the country for the upcoming general elections.

Ahmed said that all the political parties and stakeholders should evolve a comprehensive strategy to ensure full participation of women in the elections.

Replying to a question, he said the presiding officers were being given powers of Magistrate First Class so that all the affairs during the electoral process could be dealt with in a proper manner.

"It is the responsibility of voters to elect honest representatives for the progress, prosperity and development of the country."

Replying to another question he said display of arms, derogatory remarks, character assassination or personal criticism on other parties would be prohibited during the election campaign. Further, public meetings or big gatherings during the election campaign would be allowed only at specific places.