The Election Commission of Pakistan has asked the Supreme Court to review their decision to hold Punjab elections on May 14. According to news sources, ECP contacted the apex court after not receiving funds. Moreover, the security plan also remained unclear.
Review Petition from ECP
In their review petition, ECP stated that Supreme Court does not have the authority to issue the date of elections. Hence, ECP sought the Supreme Court to withdraw their decision.
According to the petition, ECP did not receive the funds and security plan to hold the elections on May 14 despite the orders from Supreme Court. ECP added that May 14 is right around the corner, and even if the funds are received the election watchdogs cannot organise the elections. ECP further stated that all articles related to elections should be revisited.
Supreme Court Orders and Negotiations among Political Parties
The apex court announced Punjab elections on May 14 and directed the federal government to release funds and issue a security plan. A three-member bench comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Ijazul Ahsan issued the decision.
The federal government showed retaliation on the verdict and neither provided funds to ECP nor the security plan. As the situation escalated, SC told the political leadership to hold negotiations.
Following the orders of SC, PTI and the coalition government initiated talks. After three rounds of meetings, both sides agreed on simultaneous elections across Pakistan. But the final date is yet to be decided.