Islamabad
Pakistan’s apex court on Wednesday disposed off a plea seeking the Februray 8 general elections to be declared null and void after the petitioner failed to attend two consecutive hearings, as reported by sources.
Ali Khan, the petitioner, recently lodged an application urging the apex court to mandate new elections within 30 days, conducted under the direct supervision of the judiciary to ensure fairness and accountability. He also requested a stay order to halt the formation of a new government until the case’s resolution. However, the Supreme Court, during the previous hearing, criticized the petition’s filing and subsequent withdrawal, deeming it an abuse of the court process, as reported by sources.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, emphasized the court’s commitment to prevent such manipulations and safeguard fairness. Despite the court’s reassurance, the petitioner failed to appear during the resumed hearing before a three-member bench, led by CJP Isa, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and Justice Musarrat Hilali.
As a consequence, the apex court dismissed the plea and imposed a fine of Rs 500,000 on the petitioner. The application had also urged the Supreme Court to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into alleged pre-poll rigging, election fraud, and misconduct, holding those accountable for subverting democratic principles. Expressing utmost trust in the judiciary, the petition emphasized justice, equality, and democracy, seeking redress for the alleged subversion of democratic rights during the general elections.
