SC forms new bench to hear polls delay case

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial convened a four-member bench on Thursday to hear Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) petition challenging the delay in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa elections.

The news comes just hours after Justice Aminuddin Khan recused himself from a Supreme Court bench hearing PTI’s petition challenging the ECP’s decision to postpone the elections.

The case will be heard by a new bench today at 11:30 p.m.

In his remarks, Justice Aminuddin stated that he is unable to hear the case following the decision of a three-member bench led by Justice Qazi Faez Isa yesterday. Following the honorable justice’s remarks, the other four members of the bench left the courtroom, and the bench was dissolved.

On Wednesday, a three-judge Supreme Court bench adjourned the hearing of constitutionally significant cases and suo motu notices.

The order was issued by a three-member bench of the court in a case involving the awarding of grace marks to Hafiz-e-Quran. Justice Qazi Faiz Isa authored the nine-page decision, while Justice Shahid Waheed dissented.

It should be noted that a five-member bench was hearing PTI’s petition against the Election Commission of Pakistan’s postponement of elections in Punjab.

Sibtain Khan and Mushtaq Ghani, the speakers of the Punjab and KPK assemblies, have filed a joint constitutional petition on behalf of the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) sought assurances from the federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in the election delay case during a hearing yesterday.

Barrister Ali Zafar stated that PTI was ready to provide an assurance to the court and that PTI chief would submit a written assurance.

The case

PTI had challenged the election commission’s decision to move the election date in Punjab and KP. Sibtain Khan and Mushtaq Ghani, the speakers of the Punjab and KPK assemblies, have filed a joint constitutional petition on behalf of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf.

In PTI petition, the federation, Punjab, and KPK were added as parties, along with the ministries of parliamentary affairs, law, and the cabinet.

In the petition, PTI asked the federal government to ensure law and order, as well as the provision of funds and security personnel as required by the ECP to hold the elections.

It also asked the court to order the governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to announce the date for provincial assembly elections.