What is a level playing field?

The term “level playing field” is more than just three words in the English language; it is an idiom that holds significant importance in the competitive landscape, a demand echoed by various political parties, including the PTI.

An egalitarian atmosphere, promised by the Election Commission of Pakistan every five years during elections, signifies a fair and impartial electoral process for all candidates. This coveted level playing field is not only crucial in politics but also finds relevance in sports, business, and social affairs.

The Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has consistently raised concerns about the lack of a level playing field, particularly before elections. Recently, the Supreme Court took notice of these concerns and directed higher authorities and the Election Commission not to harass PTI candidates, acknowledging the validity of their claims.

Complaints from several PTI candidates included issues such as being denied the opportunity to submit nomination papers and alleged tampering with submitted papers. During a hearing in the Supreme Court, it was revealed that PTI’s application status was unclear, leading to the court expressing dissatisfaction with the government and the Election Commission’s lack of action in addressing these concerns.

Despite the Supreme Court’s intervention, PTI’s lawyer highlighted ongoing challenges, including the issuance of orders under the MPO (Maintenance of Public Order) after the election schedule’s release, hindering candidates from obtaining and submitting necessary documents.

The court emphasized the importance of treating all political parties equally, underscoring that a level playing field implies fair treatment for everyone. In response, the Election Commission was instructed to address the complaints promptly, with the Attorney General assuring the court of cooperation.

A significant development occurred as the Supreme Court, led by the Acting Chief Justice of Pakistan, granted bail to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the cipher case. This decision may pose a challenge for the caretaker government, which is yet to ensure a level playing field, following the footsteps of the previous Shehbaz Sharif government.

While the responsibility for providing justice in any country technically lies with the federal government, the recent legal developments underscore the complexities and challenges surrounding the pursuit of a genuinely level playing field in Pakistani politics.