Election Suo Motu Verdict: SC orders to hold polls in KP and Punjab within 90 days

The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) orders to hold polls in KP and Punjab within 90 days!

The direction was given by the apex court in the suo motu notice verdict which was announced by CJP Umar Ata Bandial.

Key Findings of the Verdict:

• “Parliamentary is a salient feature of the Constitution,” the top court remarked.
• Elections are to be held in both provinces in 90 days, Supreme Court
• The Election Act empowers the Governor and the President to hold elections
• The President has the right to announce the date of the elections
• The announcement of the election date is the responsibility of the Governor, if the governor dissolves the assembly, he will also announce the elections: SC
• The President should announce the date of the election in Punjab after consulting the Election Commission, the court said
• Elections are not possible on April 9, the date can be changed in Punjab through consultation, Supreme Court
• 2 judges dissented from the verdict, and 3 concurring

A five-member apex court bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, and Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar announced the verdict on Wednesday.

Justice Jamal Mandokhail and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah wrote dissenting notes as they raised objections over the admissibility of the case.

The bench closed proceedings on Tuesday at about 5:15 pm for a short order but then decided to reserve the verdict until today

The SC took the suo motu notice on the issue of the election date as to who — the president, governors, or the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) — is responsible for fixing the date in case the provincial assemblies are dissolved.