ISLAMABAD: In fresh development, Ministry of Defence responsible for allocating armed forces for elections moved Supreme Court seeking elections across country on same date. Ministry’s view is in line with government’s stance, which has persistently opposed holding separate general elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Tenure of National Assembly and legislature of two other provinces Sindh and Balochistan will end later this year and government wants polls to take place then, not in May, as directed by Supreme Court on April 4. “Instant application may be granted, order April 4, 2023 passed in CP No. 5/2023 may kindly be recalled with directions that general elections to National and all Provincial Assemblies be held together, upon completion of term of National and other two Provincial Assemblies i.e. of Sindh and Balochistan,” Ministry’s plea stated.

In April 4 order, top court ruled that Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision to postpone polls to Punjab Assembly till October 8 was “Unconstitutional” and fixed May 14 as date for polls in Punjab.

“Impugned order March 22, 2023 made by Election Commission of Pakistan is declared to be unconstitutional, without lawful authority or jurisdiction, void ab-initio, of no legal effect and is hereby quashed,” ruling said. “Neither Constitution nor law empowers Commission to extend date of elections beyond 90 days period as provided in Article 224(2) of Constitution.” ECP on March 22 announced that elections in Punjab would be held on October 8. Date was earlier set on April 30, in consultation with President Arif Alvi, but was later extended in view of security situation and non-provision of funds from government. But despite court’s orders, government did not budge and got resolution passed through Parliament against verdict, clearly stating that it would not provide funds to ECP for polls.

Following government’s move, apex court directed State Bank of Pakistan to release total of Rs 21 billion to Election Commission for holding polls, but even after deadline passed on April 17, central bank did not release funds.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 19 2023

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