SC grants withdrawal of election nullifying plea, but imposes fine

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court convenes today to address a petition seeking to invalidate the outcome of the February 8 election. Headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the three-member bench also includes Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musrat Hilali.

The petition, filed by a citizen, calls for the annulment of the election results. However, the petitioner had asked to withdraw the petition in response to which the court rejected the request.

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Chief Justice Isa questioned the intention behind the petition and refused its withdrawal, signalling a firm commitment to uphold due process and address the concerns raised.

Chief Justice Isa had also ordered the petitioner’s presence in court today, underscoring the gravity of the matter at hand.

During the hearing, the court revealed that a notice regarding the petition had been affixed outside the petitioner’s residence and duly received by their family. Subsequently, the petitioner tendered an apology via email for withdrawing the petition from the court. However, no reason was provided for the petitioner’s abrupt departure abroad.

Moreover, the court underscored that there was no necessity to mention the petitioner’s military rank next to their name, particularly considering their prior court-martial for treason in 2012, resulting in a five-year sentence. Notably, the petitioner had omitted any reference to this court martial in the initial petition, despite its extensive coverage in the media and newspapers.

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The court lamented the petitioner’s swift exit following the achievement of their objectives, branding such conduct as detrimental to Pakistan and its institutions. Additionally, the court highlighted the responsibility of the media in disseminating accurate information, urging for the refutation of false news as vigorously as its propagation.

In a scathing rebuke, the court asserted that petitions of this nature not only tarnish the reputation of the judiciary but also squander public resources and time. Consequently, the court granted the petition for withdrawal, accompanied by a fine of Rs 500,000.