Supreme Court issues notice to IGP, chief secretary on PTI’s petition

The Supreme Court issued notices on Wednesday to the Inspector General of Police Punjab (IGP), chief secretary, and advocate general in response to a plea filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), seeking a level-playing field in the upcoming general elections on February 8, 2024.

A three-member bench, including Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and Justice Musrat Hilali, heard the case and adjourned the hearing until January 8.

PTI leader and lawyer, Sardar Latif Khosa, presented arguments on behalf of party leader Shoaib Shaheen.

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

The apex court directed the ECP on December 22 to address the concerns of PTI regarding level playing field in the upcoming general elections, set to take place on February 8.

At the beginning of the hearing, CJP Isa reprimanded Khosa for using the title “Sardar” with his name.

“Stop using words like Sardar, Nawab, and Peer,” the CJP said while expressing displeasure over the use of such a title.

Qazi Faez Isa asked the PTI lawyer for evidence that ECP violated the apex court’s direction regarding level-playing field matter.

“I have brought the CD containing all evidence,” Khosa replied adding that PTI leaders were not allowed to submit their nomination papers.

“The entire Pakistan has seen what is happening with PTI.”

After this, CJP advised PTI lawyer to avoid “political speech” in the courtroom and talk about constitution and law.

“What does the IG and the chief secretary have to do with the election?” the CJP wondered.

“Do you want action against individuals or the Election Commission?” the CJP asked.

Sardar Latif Khosa replied to CJP that it’s the responsibility of ECP to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections in the country.