ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Monday directed Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to submit reasons behind banning recruitments in government institutions.
A three-member bench headed by the Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, comprising Justices Umar Ata Bandial and Ijaz-ul-Ahsan heard the suo moto notice taken on Monday.
The court also issued notices to the Attorney General for Pakistan and Advocates Generals for April 24.
The ECP had issued a statement on April 11 regarding hiring freeze in appointments made by federal, provincial and local governments to ensure transparency of upcoming general elections.
During course of proceedings, the Chief Justice questioned the Secretary ECP about the law under which they banned recruitments by public institutions.
The chief justice asked if the ECP’s decision would be implemented on important institutions as well, then how heads of the departments could be possible, he inquired.
The Secretary ECP informed the bench that the responsibility for fair elections falls with them under the Elections Act, 2017, so they were taking measures to ensure it.
The chief justice then asked if such a decision would affect government functions, adding "I took the step in a move to ensure holding of general elections on time".
He remarked that complaints over appointments were filed in the high court, but they would try to wrap such cases on time. Subsequently, further hearing of the case was adjourned till April 24 (Tuesday).
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