Elections a reality now

The recent decision by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa in a significant case heard by Pakistan’s Supreme Court. The case concerned the timing of Pakistan’s approaching general elections. Despite the administration’s chaos, he presided over a three-member tribunal entrusted with reviewing petitions for further information on election dates.

Throughout the hearing, the Chief Justice made it quite apparent that the elections would go place on February 8, 2024, as scheduled. “The election matter has been concluded through the agreement of all participating parties,” he asserted emphatically, and he was without a doubt correct. Please take notice that the election date has now been announced.

According to the Chief Justice, all parties concerned, including President Arif Alvi and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, have agreed upon this date. He emphasized the formality of the arrangement. Following an initial debate about the jurisdiction vested in them to select the date of the election, a resolution was reached via the mediation of the Supreme Court.

Individuals who seek to put doubt on the election date will face grave consequences, according to Chief Justice Isa. A severe warning was sent to the media, along with regulatory action threats, if they did not change their stance. “Any uncertainty that has been raised will be addressed by the court,” he promised reporters.

His great authority originates from his steadfast intention to permanently resolve the electoral controversy. Citizens from all throughout the nation were concerned about the election’s unpredictability. This was brought to the Chief Justice’s notice. He hopes to assuage people’s fears by reaching an agreement between the president and the executive committee’s commission on February 8th.

Citizens, according to the Chief Justice, have the right to vote at the correct time since it is a constitutionally protected basic right. He sees it as his ethical responsibility as Chief Justice to preserve this right. “Those who have taken an oath for this duty bear responsibility,” he told the authorities again, adding that “the greater the responsibility, the higher the position.”

His unwavering support for elections is most likely motivated by memories of countless constitutional infractions that occurred during previous political campaigns. Chief Justice Isa specifically mentioned General Pervez Musharraf’s declaration of emergency on November 3, 2007 and subsequent suspension of the constitution.

History must function as a teaching tool. Individuals who are found to be in breach of the Constitution will face public scrutiny, the Chief Justice has warned. Because of previous charges of intervention, they anticipate the 2024 elections to go off without a hitch.

As he announced the election date, Chief Justice Isa urged that all groups should proceed with prudence and understanding. During the Supreme Court session, everyone learned that the Court has limited jurisdiction and cannot interfere with the authority of the president or the Election Commission.