In Pakistan, the legal community held a nationwide strike on Saturday,calling upon the election regulator to conduct national elections withinthe constitutionally mandated 90-day period after the dissolution of thenational and provincial assemblies. They argue that only an electedgovernment can address the country’s numerous crises.
Former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recommended dissolving the nationallegislature on August 9, just before its five-year term completion.According to Pakistan’s constitution, if the assembly dissolves before itsterm ends, general elections must be held within 90 days. Presently, theElection Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is expected to schedule nationalpolls in November, with the actual voting likely to take place in Februaryafter the delimitation of constituencies.
The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC), the highest body of lawyers, considers anyelection delay beyond the 90-day limit a constitutional violation. Theycalled for the legal community to strike in protest. Haroon-ur-Rashid, thecouncil’s vice chairman, stated that President Dr. Arif Alvi shouldpromptly announce the national election date to resolve the constitutionalcrisis, as he believes the president has the authority to do so under theconstitution.
The PBC criticized the ECP’s decision to postpone national polls due toconstituency delimitation, viewing it as a tactic to delay the elections.They emphasize that free and fair elections are crucial for Pakistan’spolitical and economic stability. The lawyers’ top body has also approachedthe Supreme Court, requesting it to instruct the election commission toannounce an election date within the 90-day limit.
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They have also sought the suspension of the 2023 digital census approval,which they believe contributed to the election delay. Lawyers in variouscities across Pakistan confirmed their participation in the strike,responding to the PBC’s call for action. The election commission has notyet commented on the election schedule. Another group of lawyers, led bythe Supreme Court Bar Association, announced a nationwide strike onSeptember 14 to defend the constitution, rule of law, and human rights,also advocating for national elections within 90 days following assemblydissolution.
