SUPREME COURT OVERTURNS LHC DECISION; ORDERS IMMEDIATE ELECTION SCHEDULE ISSUANCE
Historic turnout in 1970 elections with 57.96 % voter turnout
ISLAMABAD, Dec 15,2023: In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has suspended the Lahore High Court’s ruling and directed the Election Commission to promptly issue the election schedule today.
The court declared the Lahore High Court’s petition inadmissible, emphasizing the Election Commission’s constitutional obligations and the petitioner, Umairr Niazi’s, appeal to the High Court.
The court order explicitly stated that if deemed necessary, the Supreme Court would personally hear the petition, highlighting that the petitioner and the judge both disregarded the Supreme Court’s decision. Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, emphasized that the Election Commission should carry out its duties, affirming that the Supreme Court would not micromanage the process.
The Election Commission, dissatisfied with the Lahore High Court’s decision, took the matter to the Supreme Court. A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and including Justices Sardar Tariq Masood and Mansoor Ali Shah, presided over the appeal.
Umar Hameed, Secretary of the Election Commission, filed the appeal under Article 185, challenging the Lahore High Court’s decision. The Election Commission’s appeal echoes the same article under which the High Court’s decision was contested.
As this legal saga unfolds, the nation awaits the Election Commission’s response and the subsequent actions leading up to the impending elections. Stay tuned for further updates on this pivotal legal and political development.
