Salman Akram Raja claims tribunals appointed by LHC chief justice obstructed from performing their duties
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has condemned the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for its attempts to alter the election tribunals in Punjab, which were initially appointed by the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court to address electoral disputes.
During a press conference on Sunday, PTI leader Barrister Salman Akram Raja criticized the ECP, alleging that the February 8 elections were significantly rigged. Raja, who contested and lost in NA-128 Lahore, claimed that the tribunals established by the LHC Chief Justice were being hindered from performing their duties, in contrast to the functioning tribunals in other provinces.
Raja further accused the government of being particularly concerned about the tribunals in Punjab, suggesting that major disruptions could occur if these tribunals were to adjudicate the election disputes. He condemned those attempting to create discord between institutions and the public, labeling them as “enemies of Pakistan.”
PTI leader Meher Bano Qureshi, who also lost in NA-151 Multan, emphasized the importance of women’s representation in democracy, expressing her disappointment that only three women from her party are currently serving in Parliament. Raja has filed a review petition with the Supreme Court of Pakistan, seeking to make the Punjab Election Tribunal operational.
The Supreme Court’s five-member bench, led by the Chief Justice, is expected to review the ECP’s appeal against the LHC’s decision to establish eight election tribunals in Punjab. Earlier, on July 4, the Supreme Court had suspended the LHC’s ruling and its notification regarding the appointment of these tribunals, pending further consultations between the LHC Chief Justice and the ECP.
Additionally, on July 9, President Asif Ali Zardari approved the Election (Amendment) Bill 2024, which grants the ECP the authority to appoint retired high court judges to election tribunals without requiring consultation with the respective chief justices. This amendment modifies the Elections Act of 2017, aiming to streamline the process for tribunal appointments.
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