ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) adjourned hearing of petition seeking simultaneous elections across Pakistan after being told that meeting had been scheduled between government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for April 26.

Three-member bench comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Bandial and comprising Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar heard petition seeking to hold general elections to all national and provincial assemblies simultaneously. Earlier, apex court had directed coalition government and PTI to hold talks and develop consensus on elections in country.

However, proceedings did not resume as three-judge bench did not appear in courtroom. Meanwhile, Farooq H Naek, who was representing Pakistan Peoples’ Party and Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan met with CJP Bandial in his chambers. Supreme Court in its written order stated that it was “Impressed” to note that all political leaders had affirmed their fidelity to Constitution. It also asserted that it would not go back on its order fixing May 14 as date for Punjab elections.

Order noted that Supreme Court has no objection to negotiation process for holding general elections simultaneously. “Holding elections on same day across country is legal and constitutional question,” it added.

It further said that all executive authorities were bound to implement decision of election to Punjab Assembly on May 14. Referring to CJP’s meeting with Farooq H Naek and AGP Mansoor, order said that both representatives informed Chief Justice of talks between government and opposition.

A meeting has been scheduled amongst government and opposition on April 26, 2023, order said, adding that it should be informed of progress when hearing resumed on April 27.

After being summoned by court, leaders of various political parties including, Pakistan Peoples’ Party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf , MQM-P, Jamaat-e-Islami and others appeared before SC amid efforts for consensus in order to end dispute on elections.

PPP and PML-N assured Supreme Court that they will sit with PTI and try to find solution on election date. At outset of hearing, CJP thanked leaders of all political parties for coming to Supreme Court on important issue.

Top judge also appreciated Jamat-e-Islami Chief Siraj ul Haq for making efforts to initiate dialogue between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and government. “You have undertaken good initiative. May Allah succeed you,” CJP Bandial told JI Chief.

 CJP Bandial remarked that court verdicts create complications. “It’s blessing if political parties settle matter through mutual understanding,” he added. CJP made it clear that date for election in Punjab is May 14 and SC will not take back its decision as nobody has challenged it. “Negotiations can be successful if it’s two-way street.

It is requested that party leaders sit today, rather than after Eid,” said CJP Bandial. Top judge also suggested that elections can be held in July after Eid ul Azha as suggested by JI Chief.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 21 2023

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