ISLAMABAD – Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa remarked that some tactics are being used apparently, so the elections could not be held in the country.
The top judge gave these remarks while hearing appeal of the Election Commission of Pakistan against verdict of the Peshawar High Court single bench in which the appointment of a returning officer for PK-91, Kohat was cancelled.
The remarks came a day after JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman asked the ECP to postpone the elections and he also cited security reasons in this regard.
The top judge also expressed concerns over potential irregularities that could compromise the fairness of the electoral process.
During the hearing, CJP Isa remarked that whether a specific returning officer is desired or not, it should not impact the electoral process.
He observed that when one returning officer fell ill, another was appointed, but the Peshawar High Court questioned this decision, raising concerns about notice issuance and examination of the appointment.
The Peshawar High Court had earlier suspended appointment of returning officer 2. The Election Commission promptly contested this decision in the Supreme Court and argued that the Peshawar High Court made its decision without allowing the Election Commission an opportunity to present its case.
The ECP contended that the scrutiny of candidates’ nomination papers is time-sensitive, and the interference by the PHC hampered the Commission’s constitutional responsibilities.
