ISLAMABAD: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja on Thursday informed the Supreme Court that efforts were being made to curtail the powers of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The ECP chief made the statement when he appeared before the Supreme Court in a case related to the transfer of former Lahore capital city police officer (CCPO) Ghulam Mehmood Dogar.
He was summoned by the top court to explain the reasons behind the Dogar’s removal.
The issue of delay in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also came under discussion during the hearing when the court reminded the ECP chief about his duty to hold polls within 90 days.
At this, Sikandar Sultan Raja briefed the court about hurdles faced by the commission from different institutions.
“Efforts are being made to curtail the powers of the ECP,” said Raja. He added that the army has refused to provide security during polls when requested, and the judiciary has denied providing staff while the government is not giving funds.
“ECP’s authority is being curtailed. How can free and fair elections be held?” asked the CEC.
At this, Justice Ahsan asked whether the electoral body had contacted the government.
The CEC replied that they had informed the government about all the issues faced by the commission.
The court then summoned the record of all the transfers, including Dogar’s, okayed by the ECP in Punjab. It also asked the CEC to appear again tomorrow (Friday).
