SC puts its weight behind EC
Deputy Election Commissioner shot dead in Quetta
Supreme Court (SC) has maintained in its interim order that Election Commission (EC) wields powers to introduce amendment in nomination forms on its own.
SC has also sought details about amendments made by EC in nomination forms within 24 hours. A 3-member bench of SC led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry took up electoral reforms case for hearing here Tuesday and issued the interim order. During the course of hearing of the case an important note was presented by SC registrar. The note said that differences prevailed between government and EC on new nomination forms and the situation is worsening in this connection. Law ministry is showing slackness deliberately in according approval to these amendments while EC is working in conso-
QUETTA: Deputy Election Commissioner Balochistan shot dead on Tuesday, officials said. According to local police, unidentified armed men opened fire on vehicle of Deputy Election Commissioner at Mengal Link Road in Satellite town. According to sources, Ziaullah was on his way on a rickshaw when unidentified armed men attacked his vehicles near Chandi chowk in Satellite town. The injured official of Election Commission was shifted to nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Police and FC personnel rushed to the scene and cordon off area for investigations; however media reports said that miscreants succeed to flee from scene. — nance with its powers. EC is working in the light of apex court verdict and law ministry is creating hurdles in its work.
The court took notice of it and inquired from Attorney General (AG) “why the federation is not cooperating with the EC. Supreme Court has issued directives in connection with upcoming polls. This decision is public property. We know how to safeguard the constitution. Are the members of provincial election commission are so weak that they can not get implement constitution. Is any dispute going on with regard to implementation of court’s orders. EC should exercise its powers to hold elections in transparent manner”. Munir Paracha said EC while exercising its powers has sent the nomination paper forms for printing.
CJP remarked “constitution of the country is voice of 180 million people and the constitution talks of free and fair elections. We will withdraw our decision if some one says that fair election is not wanted”. He further remarked “SC has made interpretation with reference to the powers of EC. Will SC ask from law ministry for giving its decision. The court has to protect and defend the constitution. EC will have to ensure election is held in transparent manner. Hearing of the case will be conducted on day to day basis to ensure implementation of court’s decision.
He further observed “court be told how much amendments have been proposed in the light of decision. The AG said “all want elections are held in transparent manner in the country.