LAHORE: A day after elections in Punjab postponed until October by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The PTI decided to seek the Supreme Court over the ‘illegal’ decision and a plea in this respect submitted today.
Thursday’s consultation meeting of the party’s senior leadership, convened by Imran Khan at his Zaman Park mansion. The meeting resulted in the decision to approach the highest court.
In its petition, the former ruling party would ask the highest court to overturn the ECP’s decision regarding Punjab polls. In light of the Supreme Court’s directive, the petition would also request that the elections be place on April 30.
PTI Secretary General Asad Umar elaborated on the decisions made during the meeting . He stated that PTI senators would also raise this issue during the joint session of parliament on Monday. The senators would attend the session. They will vociferously present PTI’s point of view against the government’s efforts to “violate” the Constitution of Pakistan, he said. The leader of the PTI stated, “The party will utilise the forum of parliament to the utmost extent.”
Commemorate
Asad Umar said that the conference determined the March 25 public rally at Minar-i-Pakistan would occur as scheduled. He stated that the March 26 public assembly would begin after Taraveh (about 10pm) and end around Sehri time (approximately 3am).
According to the PTI leader, the gathering would also express solidarity with the Supreme Court for the protection of the Constitution. He hoped that a large number of people attend to commemorate this “historical occasion”. “The PTI chairman instructed that the rally preparations be sped up,” he added.
While, Mr Umar said the party chairman has asked the PTI candidates – who have submitted their nominations for elections – to continue their election campaigns in their respective constituencies.
Moreover, He continued, “We have complete faith in our courts that the Constitution will be protected. Anyone attempting to violate it will fail terribly”. The secretary general said its interesting to note that the ECP announced the decision of postponing elections only hours after this “wish” floated in parliament by the ruling coalition.
Mr Umar added the PTI had already filed a contempt of court petition before the Supreme Court against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Ghulam Ali for not accepting the court decision and giving the election date in contravention of court orders. “I believe the KP governor wants to be tried and punished under Article 6”. “For failing to implement Supreme Court directives,” he joked.
