ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the request by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for granting more time for holding the Local Bodies (LB) elections and directed the commission to ensure the timely holding of the elections.
The apex court categorically stated that under Article 218 of the Constitution of Pakistan, it was the duty of the ECP to conduct elections and cater all the problems coming in their way.
It was said by a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry during the hearing of a case regarding the LB elections.
When the court started hearing the case, Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Munir A. Malik, Secretary ECP Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan and Advocate General Punjab Hanif Khatana appeared before the court.
Attorney General apprised the court that an ordinance regarding the holding of elections in Cantonment Board areas and delimitation in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) had been put before the Prime Minister for the final approval.
He further stated that schedule for holding the LB elections in Balochistan had been released while the commission was facing problems in other provinces. The AG stated that the commission did not have the special ink used for thumb impression while the Printing Corporation of Pakistan (PCP) had sought 130 days time for printing the ballot papers.
Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry remarked that the provision of ink and ballot papers was the responsibility of the ECP and not the Supreme Court. The CJ further remarked that the ECP had Article 220 for implementing its orders on the provinces but here it seemed that the commission was not as strong at it should be. He remarked that Balochistan should be appreciated as it was fully ready for holding the elections.
Advocate General Punjab apprised the bench that a notification regarding the delimitations of constituencies would be issued today.
Attorney General Munir A Malik maintained that the constitution did not give clear duration for holding the LB elections so the government should be given appropriate time for the purpose.
He informed the bench that the process of legislation had almost completed while the delimitation process would be completed in few days.
Later, the court adjourned further hearing of the case till November 5 due to the shortage of time.
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