Supreme Court Commences Hearing on PTI’s Plea for Equal Electoral Opportunities

ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court has initiated the hearing of a petition filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleging the infringement of the apex court’s directives regarding the establishment of a level playing field for all political parties.

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) led the bench as the hearing resumed, and the proceedings are currently being broadcasted live on the Supreme Court’s website and YouTube channel.

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During the session, PTI’s counsel, Latif Khosa, presented arguments on behalf of Advocate Shoaib Shaheen, who filed the appeal.

In the previous hearing, the top court issued notices to the Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP), chief secretary, and advocate general, seeking their responses to the PTI’s claims of harassment targeting their candidates and leaders.

In compliance with the court’s directive on December 22, the Election Commission met with a PTI delegation, assuring them of addressing their concerns in the lead-up to the national vote. Subsequently, PTI filed another petition, urging the initiation of contempt of court proceedings against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), alleging the electoral body’s failure to ensure a fair playing field.

Contrary to PTI’s accusations, the ECP rejected the claims, asserting that a meeting had taken place with the PTI delegation, where their concerns were addressed, and assurances were given for a fair playing field for all parties and candidates without discrimination.

The ECP representative further highlighted that the electoral body had issued instructions to address PTI’s complaints to the relevant authorities, and actions were taken on all 33 complaints made by PTI until December 26, 2023. The special secretary urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the contempt petition with a penalty.