ECP’s new order about postponement of Punjab Assembly polls is totally unconstitutional: Liaqat Baloch

LAHORE, March 2 (SABAH): Naib Emir Jamaat-e-Islami and Chairman Political and Electoral Cell Liaqat Baloch while reacting to Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP’s) new order of holding elections on October 08, 2023, has said as per constitution if assembly is dissolved before time then elections should be held in 90 days and after completion of the period, the polls must be held in 60 days.

Liaqat Baloch said that new order about the postponement of elections of Punjab Assembly is totally unconstitutional and added that Jamaat-e-Islami protest against it. He said the Supreme Court of Pakistan should took suo moto notice regarding the postponement of elections and there were differences on the matter of full court and larger bench, and added in the light of decision it transpired that obligatory period of 90 days was crossed.

He said that at present the government and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) have crossed all the limits while escaping from holding elections from the agreed date of April 30 which was why there was no guarantee that the elections could be held in October 2023, as both (government and ECP) have already violated the Constitution.

Liaqat Baloch said, “We urge the ECP to take its order back and make necessary arrangements for ensuring Punjab Assembly elections on April 30. There is need of establishment supremacy of the Parliament for safeguarding Islam, Constitution, democracy and civil government. All international agreements should be linked with the approval of the Legislator.”

He further said, “ECP must be made administratively, economically an independent institution. Proportion representation should be encouraged through national political parties. Measures should be taken to make media work independently, without accepting influence of the government. Media should be persuaded to encourage Islamic civilization and culture. Urdu should be made an official language and a source of fundamental education.”