'Inapplicable': federal cabinet rejects SC's verdict on Punjab elections
Pakistan
Cabinet vows to raise the matter at different forums
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Federal cabinet on Tuesday rejected the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s (SCP) verdict directing the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold elections in Punjab on May 14.
It comes in response to the decision of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial led three-member bench, comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Muneeb Akhtar, invalidating the ECP’s order of holding off the elections until October 8.
The cabinet shared the stance at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif where it was of the view that the verdict had been issued by a minority-ruled (3-2) bench, sources said. “The decision is inapplicable and has been issued in contravention of the constitution”, sources added.
The cabinet also vowed to, sources said, raise the matter at different forums.
Read Also: Apex court disposes of Justice Isa-led bench suo motu case
Earlier, the apex court ruled that ECP had carried out an unconstitutional act by delaying the polls on a petition filed by Imran Khan-led party regarding delay in elections after the ECP on March 22 put off the polls till Oct 8, citing financial and security constraints.
The bench said the matter related to elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would be heard separately.
The apex court also ordered the government to provide Rs21 billion in funds till April 10, directing the ECP to approach it if the resources are not released by the government. Additionally, it directed the caretaker Punjab government to play its constitutional role, besides ordering the chief secretary to finalise a security plan for elections by April 10. On the other hand, the CJP Bandial-led bench also ordered the government to ensure the provision of security for elections.
Know More: SC registrar's immediate release halted by CJP Bandial
The top court rejected claims that its verdict on the suo motu on elections was dismissed with 4-3, saying it was a verdict of 3-2.
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, disappointed at the verdict, said he could only express his sorrow over the decision.
He repeated the government's claim that an apex court bench had rejected the suo motu notice by a margin of four to three despite CJP Bandial's ruling against the notion in the verdict announced today (Tuesday). He once again prayed the CJP to constitute a 13-member bench to hear the recent important matters pertaining to the law and constitution.
Pointing towards the division within the apex court, the law minister said being head of the institution, it's the responsibility of the honourable CJP to do away with it. He said there should not be confrontation between the institutions.
PTI chief Imran Khan welcomed the verdict saying, "The apex court had protected the constitution".
Asking the nation to gear up for the Punjab Assembly elections, Mr Khan made it clear that his party was standing by the court’s decision.
