Presidential Reference: Chief Justice directs ECP to start work as per schedule

Dunya News

Presidential Reference: Chief Justice directs ECP to start work as per schedule

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed has directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to start working as per its schedule.

According to details, a five-member larger bench headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed heard the case on Thursday. During the hearing, on the inquiry of the Chief Justice, the ECP’s counsel said that the schedule for the Senate elections has been released and the Commission should be given adequate time to print ballot papers and make other preparations.

The Chief Justice said that it was the job of the court to give its verdict and the Election Commission should continue working to hold Senate elections as per the schedule.

The Chief Justice remarked that the last Senate election was held by secret ballot, was secret ballot held under Article 226?

The court adjourned further hearing till Monday.

Earlier in the day, the ECP announced the schedule of Senate elections, which will be held on March 3.

According to the ECP, the last date for filing of nomination papers is February 13 this will be followed by scrutiny process for the nominations which will be completed by February 12 while the last date for filing of appeals against acceptance or rejection of papers is February 18.

The date for disposal of appeals is February 20 and the revised list of the contestants will be issued later on February 21 while the candidates can use option of withdrawal of candidature till February 22.