——- PBC, SCBA call for immediate resignation, raise concerns about ‘discrepancies in election procedures’
——- Top lawyer bodies express distrust in CEC for holding fair polls
——- Demand CEC to “go home”
——- Stress for ensuring level playing field for all parties
From Abid Usman
LAHORE: The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) shared apprehensions on Tuesday regarding the transparency, integrity and fairness of the electoral process under the current chief election commissioner (CEC).
Leaders from both legal bodies raised concerns about discrepancies in election procedures, delimitations, and seat allocations, calling for the urgent intervention of the Supreme Court (SC) to address these issues.
The PBC contended that in the presence of the incumbent CEC general elections lack fairness. PBC leaders, Haroon-ur-Rashid and Hassan Raza Pasha, stressed the importance of transparent elections on February 8, advocating for “a level-playing field and equal opportunities”, ensuring “transparency and fairness in the electoral process”.
Expressing deep concerns about the CEC’s conduct, particularly in election procedures and seat allocations, the PBC urged the SC to address these issues. They highlighted specific instances, such as the allocation of National Assembly seats in Jehlum and Rawalpindi districts, stating, “It is evident that the conduct of the CEC raises serious doubts about the integrity of the general elections.”
Notably, the PBC refused to ignore these critical matters, emphasising the need for “free, fair, and transparent” elections. With plans to convene a representative convention, they aim to formulate a strategy, in consultation with the SCBA, to ensure “the cause of free, fair, and transparent general elections,” underlining their skepticism about the CEC’s impartiality.
In parallel, the SCBA, represented by Shahzad Shaukat and Syed Ali Imran, also raised deep concerns about mounting discrepancies in election processes and called for transparent, fair, and timely elections.
They underscored the significance of addressing grievances to safeguard the democratic process and national resources.
The association asserted that “elections are the cornerstone of the democratic process in the country and must be held on time”. “Mere adherence to election timelines without addressing grievances may undermine stability rather than contribute to it,” the officials maintained.
Asserting that the present CEC was unfit for ensuring fair elections, the SCBA called for him to step down to achieve their objectives of impartiality and equal opportunity for all stakeholders.
