A three-member bench, including acting Chief Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Minallah, and Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, heard the petition.
Islamabad: In a significant development, Supreme Court Justice Athar Minallah has stated that the allegations made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding the denial of a level-playing field ahead of the upcoming general elections are “prima facie correct.” The observation was made during the hearing of PTI’s petition seeking a fair electoral environment.
A three-member bench, including acting Chief Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Minallah, and Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, heard the petition. The court directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to address the concerns raised by PTI regarding the level-playing field. The ECP representative and the Attorney General were instructed to collaborate and ensure a fair electoral process.
PTI’s lawyer, Shoaib Shaheen, highlighted issues such as the issuance of Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) orders against their leaders and obstacles in obtaining and submitting nomination papers. The court ordered the ECP to address all complaints raised by PTI and instructed the Inspector Generals not to harass PTI candidates.
The PTI petition, filed under Article 184(3) of the Constitution, alleges discriminatory treatment by district authorities and provincial and federal governments. PTI Chairman Imran Khan questioned whether the ECP was fulfilling its constitutional duty to conduct free and fair elections and provide a level-playing field.
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The court’s disposition of the petition comes after PTI candidates reported difficulties in filing nomination papers, arrests, and harassment by authorities. The apex court’s intervention aims to ensure transparency, fairness, and equal opportunities for all political parties participating in the upcoming elections.
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