In a crucial development, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has refuted allegations made by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) concerning the fairness of the upcoming general elections in 2024, as reported by ARY News.
In December, the highest court in the country directed the ECP to address PTI’s complaints regarding the impartiality of the electoral environment leading up to the forthcoming general elections.
The plea, presented on behalf of Barrister Gohar Ali Khan through Shaheen, sought a Supreme Court directive to ensure a level playing field by refraining from arresting PTI candidates, workers, and leaders.
Sources reveal that over 76 percent of PTI candidates’ nomination papers have received approval from the ECP.
The commission submitted a comprehensive report regarding the level playing field to the Supreme Court registrar.
Earlier, the Supreme Court issued notices to Inspector General Police (IGP) of Punjab, Usman Anwar, Chief Secretary, and AG Punjab on the PTI’s petition seeking contempt of court proceedings against the ECP for allegedly neglecting the party’s concerns about the level playing fields before the upcoming polls.
Following the Supreme Court’s directives, the ECP took note of PTI’s reservations about the lack of a level playing field leading up to the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8.
The electoral watchdog issued letters to provincial election commissioners, chief secretaries, and inspector-generals (IGs), instructing them to address PTI’s complaints about mishandling of its candidates and challenges in filing nomination papers.
Additionally, the PTI submitted supplementary documents to the apex court, providing evidence of the alleged denial of a level playing field.
The apex court was informed that the nomination papers of 668 PTI candidates were rejected by returning officers appointed by the ECP.
The PTI petitioner urged the apex court to direct the respondents to ensure a level playing field for free and fair elections, emphasizing the interest of justice.
By ANI
