ISLAMABAD: Election Commission (EC) has said it will conduct general election on February 11. EC said this during hearing of petitions seeking holding of election in 90 days.

3-member bench of SC presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa took up petitions for hearing.

Sajeel Swati counsel for EC told court process of delimitation will be completed by January 29 and then election will be held on February 11.

CJP remarked on constitutional role of president that he has given date for election in last days. We can take judicial notice on it. President has only told that 89 days are completed on such and such date. Counting of President is correct. President has given no date for election in letter. President did not discharge his constitutional obligation. President himself violated Constitution by not giving date. No petition of any one will be heard after whatever date is given by EC. Attorney General should arrange meeting of EC with President and whatever consultation is made and decision is taken on it, decision should bear signatures of all. Lawyers of respondents can go with them.

Justice Athar Minallah remarked prima facie government, EC and President all these three are responsible. Question is this now what will be its outcome. Election should take place in time. SC has said in order for announcing holding of election that EC has told election will take place when. Now it should announce date after consultation with President.

EC has informed court about schedule of election. It has been told in schedule that all arrangements including delimitation will be completed on January 29. General election will be held on February 11. Final lists will take 3 to 5 days. Final lists will be completed on December 5. If we count 54 days from December 5 date stands January 29. We were finding Sunday for facilitation of people. We have decided on our own election should be held on Sunday that falls on February 11. This report has been presented by counsel of EC. Upon it he has been asked to make meaningful consultation with President.

CJP directed EC to make consultation with President today. Ali Zafar counsel for PTI argued that election should be held in 90 days. CJP remarked your plea for holding election in 90 days has become ineffective. Ali Zafar said we talk of basic rights. CJP remarked no one can deny it.

CJP while moving to Ali Zafar remarked you want only election. Ali Zafar said yes we want election. CJP remarked will anyone oppose it. I don’t think anyone will oppose it. CJP inquired from AG will you oppose it.

AG replied “Not”.

Justice Athar Minallah remarked command of Constitution is very clear. President was to give date. There is no difference in it. Ali Zafar said to his views President has given date. CJP remarked can this court issue writ against President now.

Justice Athar Minnallah remarked Article 58 is very clear. Role of this court comes where in it.

In its written order SC has directed EC to complete consultation process with President and file reply in court on Friday.

Final date for polls will be announced during further hearing. CJP remarked court wants its solution only and it does not want to entangle itself in technical aspects.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 03 2023

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