ISLAMABAD (Daily Point) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has informed the Supreme Court that the general elections in the country are scheduled to take place on February 11, 2024.
This decision comes after a three-judge bench, including Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Aminuddin Khan, and Justice Athar Minallah, heard pleas from various parties seeking elections within 90 days of the dissolution of the National Assembly.
The Supreme Court had directed the ECP to consult with President Dr. Arif Alvi regarding the election date. During the hearing, PTI lawyer Ali Zafar emphasized the importance of holding elections on time according to the Constitution, citing Articles 58 and 224.
The court allowed the Pakistan People’s Party to become a party in the case. Ali Zafar argued that the president should provide the election date within 90 days of dissolving the assembly, and it’s not necessary to consult the prime minister for this decision. However, there were questions about whether the president had indeed provided the date.
The CJP and other justices discussed the constitutional duties of the president in setting the election date and the role of the Election Commission. They considered the need to clarify the legal requirements for announcing the election date. The CJP stressed the importance of timely elections and questioned the delays in the process.
In the end, it was a complex legal debate revolving around the responsibilities of the president, the government, and the election commission in ensuring timely elections, as required by the Constitution.
PPP
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) senior leader Qamar Zaman Karia talking to SAMAA TV said the uncertain situation has finally culminated into the elections date being announced.
“The date announcement was necessary so that political parties could start the political process. In fact, the PPP has launched the electoral campaign. Let’s end the uncertainty,” he said.
PML-N
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has termed the announcement of the general elections 2024 date a good development.
PML-N senior leader Muhammad Zubair, talking to private TV channel, said holding general elections on February 11 is a good step.
“There was uncertainty related to the elections in the country. The Constitution is very clear regarding the elections,” he added.
