On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of Pakistan announced its decision to nullify the Election Commission of Pakistan’s order to delay the elections in Punjab, deeming it unconstitutional. The court ordered that polls be held on May 14 in Punjab, and stated that 13 days had been wasted due to the ECP’s illegal decision.
Elections in Punjab were originally scheduled for April 30 by the ECP, however, they were later moved to October 8. As the ECP postponed the elections, citing financial and security concerns, the Imran Khan-led party filed the plea against the delay in elections.
The three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial and including Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Ijazul Ahsan, issued a unanimous verdict after considering arguments from all parties involved.
The court also directed the government to provide funds for the election by April 10 and instructed the federal government to assist the ECP. Additionally, the authorities were ordered to release Rs21 billion to the ECP by April 10.
