Simultaneous elections across country: CJ advises political parties to negotiate today to solve problem

Supreme Court is hearing petitions filed by Ministry of Defense and the citizen of Islamabad, Fida Muhammad Khan, to hold general elections simultaneously across country. has been postponed until Justice Muneeb Akhtar says that court gave a clear order that elections in Punjab will be held on May 14, and no one can withdraw the order of the Supreme Court.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Atta Bandial comprising Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan and Justice Muneeb Akhtar is hearing the case.

On this occasion, PTI leaders Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Babar Awan, PPP’s Latif Khosa, Farooq H. Naik and Qamar Zaman Kaira, PML-N leader Ata Tarar, Federal Prime Ministers Nazir Tarar, Ayaz Sadiq, Tariq Bashir Cheema, Saad Rafiq, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Siraj-ul-Haq and other leaders are also present in the court.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notices to major political parties for today on petitions filed by the Ministry of Defense and a citizen to hold general elections simultaneously across the country.

As the proceedings began, the court took a 15-minute break in the hearing on the request of Attorney General Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan.

Resuming the hearing, Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandyal paid tribute to Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Sirajul Haq for doing a great job.

The Chief Justice said that if the court gives an order, complications will arise, it would be great if the political leaders solve the problem. There is anxiety in the nation. If the leadership solves the problem, there will be peace.

Asked by the Chief Justice whether all political parties agreed with the court’s proposal to adopt a common stand on the elections, PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi said he respected every word of the court. He further said that the country has to move ahead according to the constitution.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi further said that it remains to be seen what stand the government takes, PTI stands with the Supreme Court to protect the constitution.

Government lawyer Shah Khawar said that in order to strengthen democracy, it is necessary to hold elections on the same day across the country.

PPP lawyer Farooq H. Naik said that it is the collective opinion of the coalition government that the 90-day deadline for elections has passed. He said that the ruling parties are ready to re-negotiate with the PTI to end the tension.

Senior advocate Farooq H. Naik further said that elections should be held under caretaker governments across the country. Political matters should be settled between political parties, we believe that no institution should interfere in political matters.

Federal Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq reiterated that elections should be held on the same day across the country, adding that he was fully ready to negotiate on the elections.

He told the court that a meeting of party leaders has been called after Eid, politicians should talk to each other instead of wasting the time of institutions.

People’s Party leader Qamar Zaman Kaira said that his party hopes that a consensus will be reached on the elections soon.

Representing Muslim League (Q), Minister Tariq Bashir Cheema said that if the court gives a decision on the elections, it will be criticized, while the decision of all political leaders will be acceptable to the people.

On behalf of Imran Khan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi says that he will try to find a way out.

Sheikh Rasheed said that the decision of the Supreme Court will be a collective decision of the entire nation.

Siraj-ul-Haq advised the judiciary, the army and the Election Commission to stay away from politics, saying that all parties have to deviate a little from their position.

He also suggested a post-Eid-ul-Adha date for the elections.

Farooq Naik told the court that today is the last day to issue party tickets, and asked the court to extend the deadline.

The Chief Justice remarked that the Election Commission has the authority to change the polling schedule.