Qaseem Shah
Quetta — The Balochistan High Court has issued a significant ruling regarding the province’s local government elections, dismissing all constitutional petitions related to delimitation and census issues, and directing the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to complete the electoral process at the earliest.
A two-member bench, comprising Justice Iqbal Ahmed Kasi and Justice Muhammad Najamuddin Mengal, announced the verdict in Constitutional Petitions No. 857/2022, 1283/2022, 1586/2023, and 1789/2023.
The court ruled that the power of delimitation constitutionally lies within the jurisdiction of the Election Commission, emphasizing that judicial interference in this process is not permissible. The bench observed that petitioners failed to file formal objections against the delimitations and that no evidence was presented showing any voter was deprived of the right to vote.
Rejecting arguments against delimitations based on the 2017 census, the court stated that no violation of legal provisions had been proven. It also set aside all interim orders issued in 2023, underscoring that timely local government elections are essential in the public interest.
“The strength and balance of the vote are the foundation of every electoral system,” the Balochistan High Court remarked, urging the Election Commission to ensure swift completion of the election process.
This landmark decision is expected to end the uncertainty surrounding local government elections in Balochistan and pave the way for immediate electoral activity across the province.
