SC gives PTI three days to respond to ECP’s report

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has granted a three-day window for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to provide a response to the Election Commission’s report.

Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa has directed PTI’s lawyer to submit the reply within this stipulated period.

The Supreme Court on Monday resumed hearing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) petition seeking contempt proceedings against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for allegedly failing to ensure level-playing field to the party ahead of the February 8 elections.

A three-member bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musrat Hilali is hearing the matter.

The proceedings of the case are being broadcast live on SC’s website and YouTube channel.

PTI lawyer Latif Khosa presented arguments on behalf of Advocate Shoaib Shaheen, who filed the appeal in the court.

In a heated courtroom exchange, Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa questioned lawyer Latif Khosa’s claim that all political parties are conspiring against him. Khosa, representing PTI, asserted that the entire PDM government was previously against them, prompting a response from Chief Justice Isa, who noted the absence of the PDM government.

Chief Justice Isa inquired about PTI’s stance on elections, to which Khosa affirmed PTI’s commitment to 100% elections, emphasizing the Election Commission’s role in conducting them.

Chief Justice Isa reminded Khosa that these institutions were created by Parliament and urged appreciation for their existence. He encouraged Khosa to deny any inaccuracies in his statements and criticized the habit of dismissing negative responses as untrue.

The Chief Justice queried Khosa about his party affiliation, to which Khosa confirmed being a PTI candidate, prompting further inquiry about his departure from the People’s Party, met with Khosa’s acknowledgment of a past association.

As the exchange intensified, Chief Justice Isa accused Khosa of hindering questions, suggesting that he draft the court order himself. Khosa countered, pointing out that MPO was only imposed on PTI leaders, emphasizing the challenges faced during the PDM government.

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