ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for an emergency cabinetmeeting to discuss the issue of Punjab elections, amidst the coalitiongovernment’s persistent disregard for the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The meeting will be held at 2pm in Lahore, with the premier chairing themeeting and most members participating through a video link. The meetingwill cover topics such as the release of funds for the elections, PresidentArif Alvi’s decision to return the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure)Bill 2023, and the legal disputes surrounding the election.
In a press conference on Saturday, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar expresseddoubt about the possibility of holding elections within the next 90 days.He mentioned that the court had ruled that the federal government shouldrelease Rs21 billion to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Punjabchapter.
President Arif Alvi returned the Supreme Court bill, which aimed torestrict the powers of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, for revision underArticle 75 of the Constitution. The bill had been approved by both housesof parliament, but the president deemed it beyond the jurisdiction ofparliament and susceptible to being challenged in court for being”colorable legislation.”
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Replying to President’ refusal, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif criticisedPresident Arif Alvi for rejecting the Supreme Court (Practice andProcedure) Bill, 2023, and accused him of being a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf(PTI) supporter.
The bill aims to limit the powers of the chief justice, which includes theability to initiate legal proceedings and form benches. The PTI hasexpressed opposition to the legislation, calling it an attack on thejudiciary.
