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ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Monday reserved the verdict on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) plea against the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to delay the elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The court said that it will issue the verdict tomorrow, but the time would be announced later.
While directing the Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial — who was heading the three-judge bench comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan — said that the government and PTI should find a solution through political dialogue.
“Have a political dialogue for the Pakistani nation’s sake. Reach a political conclusion,” the chief justice said.
The verdict was issued despite the government seeking the formation of a new bench to hear the case.
CJP Bandial said that Constitutional machinery exists if political dialogue doesn’t take place.
“Allegations are being made because everyone wants to fulfil political interests. They even want to choose their own judges to have their cases heard,” the chief justice remarked adding that this has never happened before.
CJP Bandial urged for patience and tolerance while stating that he respects the parliament and government.
“The idea of elections taking place at the same time is excellent. But two assemblies have been dissolved in this case. A guarantee would be needed from the federal government,” he said.
The top judge of the country further spoke about the lack of political dialogue in the country and acknowledged the pressure on the federal government. “If the federal government assures conducting elections, then something can be considered.”
He also mentioned that Article 218 is the ECP’s responsibility, but it doesn’t allow violation of the Constitution.
