Supreme Court rules to hold general election on February 8

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Friday issued directives to the government to guarantee the holding of general elections in Pakistan on February 8 after the government submitted a notification issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan in this regard.

The court ruling comes a just day after President Arif Alvi and Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja reached a consensus to hold elections on February 8.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Amin-Ud-Din Khan heard the case.

The Supreme Court asserted constitutional limitations, reiterating the importance of adherence to the rule of law in Pakistan’s political landscape.

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The Supreme Court declared that setting the election date falls under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and is not a matter for the judiciary.

The Supreme Court emphasised that every constitutional office holder including the president and the ECP, is bound by the Constitution and its violation carries serious consequences.

The court, in its order, mentioned that the notification of the general election date has also been issued by the ECP, stating that no party has any objection to holding elections on February 8.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court clarified that its role is that of a facilitator, promoting consultation between the president and the election commission. The court emphasised that institutions must operate within their prescribed limits and expressed hope that all constitutional bodies would exercise prudence in the future.

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The court highlighted the need for swift resolution of political cases and underscored the importance of preserving a conducive environment for elections as a fundamental right of every citizen.

The Supreme Court’s ruling has far-reaching implications, settling the legal dispute over election date authority while reaffirming the need for all constitutional institutions to respect the Constitution and the rule of law.