Supreme Court Orders ECP to Address PTI’s Concerns

On Friday, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission of Pakistan to address the concerns raised by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding an unfair electoral environment leading up to the general election on February 8.

The court instructed PTI to formally present its complaint to the ECP and mandated Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan to play a role in resolving the matter. The directives were issued during a hearing presided over by a three-member bench consisting of Justices Sardar Tariq Masood, Athar Minallah, and Syed Mansoor Ali, who listened to the party’s plea for a fair electoral process.

Prior to the hearing, the apex court summoned AGP Awan and the electoral watchdog. At the beginning of the proceedings, the court directed AGP Awan to act as a facilitator in the resolution.

Addressing PTI’s concerns, Justice Minallah commented, “The party’s reservations about an uneven playing field appear valid, especially considering that incidents at Usman Dar’s residence were reported in newspapers.”

He questioned the singling out of a particular political party, stating, “An election is taking place on one front, and yet proceedings are being held at Adiala Jail,” pointing towards ECP officials.

“Is this the manner in which you conduct yourselves? You are entrusted with the responsibility of holding elections,” the judge observed, adding, “Your conduct suggests there is no level playing field.” Justice Masood inquired, “Why isn’t the ECP putting a stop to orders issued under the Maintenance of Public Order?”

Meanwhile, PTI lawyer Shoaib Shaheen announced on Friday that the Election Commission of Pakistan had assured the party of addressing its concerns regarding an uneven playing field in the lead-up to the February 8 general election. This assurance followed a meeting between a PTI delegation and the ECP in Islamabad, complying with the directives issued by the Supreme Court earlier in the day.

Speaking to the media after the meeting with the ECP, Shaheen stated, “They (ECP officials) have pledged to address the grievances.”