PTI Criticizes Election Commission of Pakistan Over Punjab Election Tribunals
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) criticized the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for attempting to change Punjab’s election tribunals, which were appointed by the Lahore High Court (LHC) chief justice to address electoral disputes.
PTI’s Concerns
Speaking at a press conference, PTI leader Barrister Salman Akram Raja said that the people of Pakistan cannot forget the elections held on February 8, during which, according to him, the worst rigging took place. Raja mentioned that Punjab election tribunals appointed by the LHC chief justice were not allowed to operate, unlike those in other provinces.
He added, “They [the government] fear the most in Punjab,” and warned that ‘many bridges’ would collapse if the LHC-appointed tribunals heard the disputes.
Women’s Representation
PTI leader Meher Bano Qureshi emphasized that democracy’s strength lies in women’s representation and expressed regret that only three female leaders were representing PTI in Parliament.
Supreme Court Review
Salman Akram Raja filed a review petition in Pakistan’s Supreme Court to make the Election Tribunal functional in Punjab. A five-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, will review the ECP’s appeal against the LHC’s tribunal appointments.
Election Amendment Bill 2024
On July 9, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari approved the Election (Amendment) Bill 2024, allowing the ECP to appoint retired judges of high courts to election tribunals without consulting the respective chief justices.
Doubts Revealed
PTI -: PTI stands for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. It is a political party in Pakistan, led by Imran Khan.
Election Commission of Pakistan -: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is a government body responsible for organizing and conducting elections in Pakistan.
Punjab -: Punjab is a province in Pakistan. It is one of the four provinces and is known for its large population and cultural heritage.
Tribunals -: Tribunals are special courts that deal with specific types of cases, like election disputes. They help ensure fair and legal processes.
Lahore High Court -: The Lahore High Court (LHC) is a high court in Pakistan that deals with legal matters in the Punjab province. It is located in Lahore, the capital city of Punjab.
Salman Akram Raja -: Salman Akram Raja is a leader of the PTI party. He is known for his work in law and politics.
Election rigging -: Election rigging means cheating or unfair practices during elections to influence the results. It is illegal and against democratic principles.
Meher Bano Qureshi -: Meher Bano Qureshi is a member of the PTI party. She focuses on issues related to women’s representation in politics.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in Pakistan. It makes important decisions on legal and constitutional matters.
President Asif Ali Zardari -: Asif Ali Zardari is a former President of Pakistan. He was in office from 2008 to 2013 and is a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Amendment -: An amendment is a change or addition to a law or a legal document. It helps update or improve the existing rules.
Retired judges -: Retired judges are judges who have finished their official service but can still be called upon to work in special cases or tribunals.
