ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) responded to second letter by President Arif Alvi saying it could not enter into consultations with him over provincial assembly elections as matter was in court.

Meeting was scheduled to take place at Aiwan-e-Sadr in accordance with Section 57(1) of Elections Act, 2017, which provides that President is entrusted to announce date for polls after consulting ECP.

“Commission is well aware of its constitutional and legal obligations and has already conveyed its response to earlier letter, dated February 8, 2023, explaining complete background,” stated letter penned by Secretary ECP Omar Hamid Khan.

In compliance with Lahore High Court (LHC) orders, Commission said consultation was held with Punjab Governor on February 14, but he “Regretted to appoint poll date and informed that he would avail legal remedy against judgment of LHC as it was not binding on him”.

ECP also made mention of intra-court appeals it has filed against order as it was asked by LHC to hold consultation without any such provisions having been provided in Constitution, alongside other writ petitions presently pending in Peshawar High Court. “May not enter into process of consultation with office of President” but maintained “Final decision in matter will be taken by commission in its meeting scheduled to be held today”.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 20 2023

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