CJP Umar Ata Bandial pays tribute to JI Emir Sirajul Haq while hearing petitions filed in connection with holding general elections simultaneously across the country

ISLAMABAD, April 20 (SABAH): Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Umar Ata Bandial paid tribute to Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Sirajul Haq while hearing petitions filed in connection with holding general elections simultaneously across the country.

A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar conducted hearing of the case. Hearing of the case was started with the recitation from the Holy Quran. CJP prayed to Almighty Allah to bestow upon him wisdom so that he may take prudent decisions.

The CJP remarked that the elections can be held after Eidul Azha in July. It is expected that Maulana Fazlur Rehman will show some flexibility.

The CJP paid tribute to Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Sirajul Haq for undertaking a noble task, adding the court will contribute its part too. The CJP said if the court gives an order, there will be complications, while it will be great thing if the political leaders solve the issue.

Meanwhile talking to media persons outside the Supreme Court, Sirajul Haq said that they wanted to take part in such elections which were free of rigging and put his weight in favour of simultaneous elections across the country.

He said the Constitution was not so weak that it may vanish due to differences on the issue of elections and continued separate elections will create problems for the masses. He added that due to political anarchy and constitutional crisis, economy of the country was weakening.

Political instability was adversely impacting institutions as well as the layman, he said and added that resources with the masses for having food had even vanished.  Due to infighting among the politicians the masses were being affected, he said and added that election was not an issue relating to a single political party. He said that Jamaat-e-Islami was in favour of such a date for holding elections which was acceptable for all.