PTI Slams ECP Over Punjab Election Tribunals

The PTI has criticized the Election Commission for altering Punjab's election tribunals, initially appointed by the Lahore High Court. PTI leaders argued this move underscores fear of electoral disputes. Key issues include allegations of rigging in the February 8 elections and a call for more female representation in Parliament.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday sharply criticized the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), accusing it of attempting to modify the election tribunals in Punjab. These tribunals were appointed by the Lahore High Court (LHC) chief justice to resolve electoral disputes, according to Geo News.

During a press conference, PTI leader Barrister Salman Akram Raja stated that the February 8 elections, marred by severe rigging, cannot be erased from public memory. He claimed that while election tribunals were operational in other provinces as per their respective chief justices' lists, those in Punjab faced obstructions. "They [the government] fear the most in Punjab," Raja said, warning of potential fallout if the LHC chief justice's appointees were allowed to function.

Raja emphasized that creating divisions between institutions and the people is akin to enmity towards Pakistan. In parallel, PTI leader Meher Bano Qureshi stressed the importance of women's representation in strengthening democracy, lamenting that only three female leaders currently represent PTI in Parliament.

Salman Akram Raja also filed a review petition to Pakistan's Supreme Court, urging the activation of Punjab's election tribunals. A five-member Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan, is set to hear the ECP's appeal against the LHC ruling that established eight election tribunals for Punjab's February 8 election disputes.

The general elections, held on February 8, were rife with allegations of rigging and widespread shutdowns of cellular and internet services. PTI emerged dominant, although it alleged election rigging. The Supreme Court bench includes Justices Aminuddin Khan, Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi.

Previously, the Supreme Court had on July 4 suspended the LHC's appointment of eight election tribunals in Punjab, pending further consultations. Concurrently, President Asif Ali Zardari approved the Election (Amendment) Bill 2024 on July 9, empowering the ECP to appoint retired high court judges to these tribunals without consulting the chief justices. This amendment modifies the Election Act, 2017, Geo News reported.

(With inputs from agencies.)