ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has given time till 4pm today to all political parties in a bid to reach consensus for holding elections on same day.
This came after today’s proceedings conducted by three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar.
During the start of proceedings, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial praised the Jamaat-i-Islami chief, Sirajul Haq, for starting a positive initiative to organize talks among the major political parties regarding the issue of holding elections, appreciated his efforts and wished him success in his mission.
Lawyer representing another petitioner, Shah Khawar advocate stated before the apex court that since the leadership of many political parties is already in court, it would be fitting for the court to hear all the leaders and conduct elections on the same day to strengthen democracy.
On this, expressing gratitude towards political leaders for attending the court session, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial deemed it an honor for the leadership of the first line to be present, and highlighted the nation’s anxiety, suggesting that peace could be attained if the political leadership resolved the problem, while cautioning that court orders could lead to complications, emphasizing that it would be a blessing if the political leaders were able to solve the problem through mutual understanding.
Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial remarked that the Ministry of Defense, the petitioner, and various political figures including the Attorney General, Farooq Naik, and the leader of the People’s Party and PML-N have all expressed support for holding simultaneous elections in one day, but politics has hindered progress on this issue.
PPP’s Lawyer Farooq H Naek said that several prominent politicians, including Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Tariq Bashir Cheema, Sabir Qaim Khani, Ayaz Sadiq have arrived here to express their agreement for dialogues. He said the 90 days time for elections had already passed, and that the court too had extended the 90 days time limit twice. He said political parties have begun working together on elections. In addition, Bilawal Bhutto met with Maulana Fazlur Rehman to discuss the matter. Naek revealed that the political dialogue within the government coalition will be completed immediately after Eid, and talks with PTI will be held again to reduce tension. The goal is to create a political consensus through these dialogues, with the election held on the same day as soon as possible.
The PPP lawyer further said that caretaker governments should be given responsibility for holding elections throughout the country, and political matters should be resolved through dialogue between political parties. He also emphasized that no institution should intervene in political affairs.
Speaking on this occasion, PMLN leader Khawaja Saad Rafique took to rostrum saying he appeared in the SC on directives of party leadership. He acknowledged the challenging environment but emphasized that the 22 crore people of Pakistan are the priority. He called for simultaneous elections across the country and confirmed his party’s readiness for negotiations on the matter.
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court made remarks that today is 29th of Ramadan, petitioners were requesting same day elections, which was also suggested by the Attorney General, however, the suggestion was not made part of official records. He further remarked that the leader of the PPP expressed support for this proposal, and the Ministry of Defense provided a positive briefing on the matter. He said Farooq H. Naik suggested joint initiatives, and the proposal was agreed upon by Asif Zardari, adding that PML-N too had discussed the same.
PMLN’s Khawaja Saad Rafique said the party leaders will hold a meeting after Eid. Speaking on the occasion, he emphasized that instead of wasting state institutions’ time, politicians should speak up for themselves. He also mentioned that the party has hugged the opposition in court premises, and the media conflicts between the parties are not as serious as they appear.
Ayaz Sadiq, representing BNP, appeared in court today and explained that BNP leaders were in Chagai, so he was requested to appear on their behalf. He also mentioned that he is in personal contact with PTI and intends to continue being so.
PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira appeared on behalf of his party in court and expressed his agreement with Khawaja Saad Rafique’s stance. He further stated that the whole country is aware of the reasons behind the current political bitterness, and as a political party, they took the lead in initiating talks with their allies. Kaira expressed gratitude to the court on behalf of the People’s Party and assured the court and the nation that they will make better decisions for the country.
Tariq Bashir Cheema of PMLQ appeared in court, saying he was following Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain’s orders. Cheema emphasized the need for negotiations to begin as soon as possible and suggested that the elections should be held in one day throughout the country to eliminate many differences. He assured the court that PMLQ supports holding elections in one day. He said if the court decides, it may be criticized, but if the political leaders decide, it will be better and acceptable for everyone. Cheema acknowledged that the decision of the court may be good for some and bad for others, but a joint decision made by political leaders will be accepted by the nation.
PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi took to rostrum and spoke about the Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding elections and obstacles in its implementation. He said he is subject to the constitution and not to anyone’s wishes. Qureshi praised the court for showing tolerance and restraint, and protecting the constitution. He emphasized the need for political forces to work together to pull the country out of the current political quagmire. “The constitution clearly states that elections should be conducted within 90 day,” he said, adding that negotiations cannot be held above the constitution and that the government but there is certainly a lack of trust. He asked government to come forward with its suggestions and PTI will try to find a way out, saying that they neither want chaos nor denial of the constitution. He said The court ordered the release of funds by April 27, but they have not been released even after the court’s order. Qureshi stressed that the resolution of the Parliament cannot be overriding the constitution. The court has given the date of May 14, according to the facts on the ground, he added.
Speaking on this occasion, AML Chief Shaikh Rashid expressed his admiration for the court’s decisions and added that they would be considered the decision of the entire nation. Rashid cautioned that the negotiations shouldn’t prolong as much that the nation sees Eidul Azha. He clarified that politicians are not against negotiations, but they should be meaningful, adding that a respected personality boycotted the proceedings today.
The Amir of Jamat-e-Islami, Siraj-ul-Haq, speaking on this occasion expressed gratitude to the court on behalf of the nation. He spoke about his journey to the court from the Pak-Afghan border, thanking them for starting proceedings with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Haq emphasized that negotiating in communal matters is not an option, but an order of Allah. He stated that the constitution came into existence on the basis of consensus and can still save the country. He added that protecting the constitution is equivalent to protecting the country. Haq discussed the changing global scenario and how negotiations failed in the past, resulting in martial law. He urged politicians to take responsibility for fixing their own house and emphasized that Pakistan was created as a result of democratic struggle. Haq met with the Prime Minister and Imran Khan and believed that elections are the only solution to the current problems. He emphasized the need for the judiciary, armed forces, and the Election Commission to stay apolitical, as political parties should never run away from elections. The JI Amir stressed that people are suffering due to the political fight and the rising cost of flour.
Sirajul Haq requested the apex court to allow the wheat harvest and Hajj season to pass before holding elections in the country, and suggested that it would be more appropriate to schedule the elections for a suitable date after the Eidul Azha.
Additionally, he expressed his opinion that the court should not interfere in this matter and instead let the politicians handle it.
The Chief Justice remarked that there is a suggestion to conclude court proceedings today, adding that all the political leaders have reiterated their commitment to adhering to the Constitution of the country. He further remarked that if the Constitution is not followed, there could be many twists and turns. “The recent discussions have focused on Article 254 of the Constitution, which has never been interpreted before. The article states that the election date should not be extended, and hence the court has refrained from interpreting it,” he added.
The CJP remarked that the Election Commission had made a wrong decision, which resulted in a court order being issued. After a 13-day delay, the court has ordered that the Election Commission is empowered to change the schedule, without changing the polling day. The Election Commission has been instructed to approach the court and present its stance.”
At the outset of the hearing, Justice Munib Akhtar asserted that it would not go back on its order fixing May 14 as the date for elections to the Punjab Assembly. Chief Justice remarked that recalling its own verdict was not a joke, adding that no one challenged the court verdict either.
Later, the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing until 4 pm, giving time to the political parties to discuss and present their views.
