Dawood Ahmed:
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday annulled the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to disqualify Adil Bazai, a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from NA-262 Quetta-I.
A bench led by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah reinstated Bazai, marking a significant victory for the politician, who was initially elected as an independent candidate and later joined the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).
The apex court found the ECP’s reasoning for Bazai’s disqualification unsatisfactory. In a brief order, the court reversed the ECP’s decision, restoring Bazai’s position as a member of the National Assembly.
SC Raises Questions on ECP’s Authority
During the hearing, the bench raised concerns over the ECP’s powers and procedures. Justice Ayesha Malik questioned the election body’s authority, asking, “Is the ECP above all courts in the country?” She criticized the commission for seemingly disregarding institutional and legal protocols.
Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah also expressed reservations about the ECP acting as a trial court. “Does the ECP have the right to conduct trials? They do not respect courts, magistrates, or even conduct proper inquiries themselves,” he remarked.
Ruling A Setback For ECP
Justice Ayesha Malik further scrutinized the ECP’s handling of affidavits, raising doubts about the transparency of its verification process. She suggested the commission might be selectively accepting or rejecting affidavits without consistent standards.
This ruling is seen as a setback for the ECP and a crucial win for Adil Bazai, solidifying his position in the National Assembly.
