Ijaz Kakakhel Islamabad
The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned the election case until Nov 2 after issuing notice to the Election Commission and the federal government in the case.
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa observed that it was “not possible” to meet the 90-day deadline while hearing miscellaneous petitions on delay in general elections beyond 90 days. The CJP asked Supreme Court Bar Association President Abid Zuberi whether he wanted elections on fresh census results or according to 2017 census.
The CJP asked the question while hearing miscellaneous petitions on delay in general elections beyond 90 days. A three-member bench, headed by the CJP and comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Aminuddin Khan, took up the case. Advocate Zubairi argued the case while PTI lawyer Ali Zafar and petitioner Ibadur Rehman appeared through a video link. Last week, CJP Isa during hearing of a case related to Pak Arab Refinery’s employees had remarked that “difficult cases” would be heard by the top court soon.
The pleas were filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and others to ensure that polls in the country are held within the stipulated time of 90 days as provided in the 1973 Constitution.