LAHORE: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Aitzaz Ahsan has warned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif may be disqualified if he does not allow the Punjab election to take place on May 14.
Speaking at a round table conference of lawyers and jurists, Ahsan emphasized that the election must be held at any cost, and anyone violating the Supreme Court’s order would face disqualification.
Ahsan pointed out that the constitution requires elections to be held within 90 days of the dissolution of assemblies, and the apex court has issued a final verdict on the matter.
He also noted that the country is facing a historic conflict between parliament and the judiciary, and it is important to uphold the constitution’s supremacy.
The warning comes after the National Assembly’s standing committee rejected a bill seeking the release of Rs21 billion in funds for the elections.
Supreme Court orders SBP to release funds for Punjab elections
In response, a three-member Supreme Court bench ordered the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to immediately release the required funds to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the Punjab election.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had tabled the bill, but the ECP reported on April 11 that the government had not provided the necessary funds, despite the court’s order.
The ECP also noted a shortage of security personnel, with the Punjab caretaker government only agreeing to provide 75,000 personnel, leaving a shortfall of 300,000.
The Supreme Court subsequently issued notices to top officials, including Attorney General Manssor Awan, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad, Finance Secretary, and Secretary of the ECP, for failing to provide the required funds for the election.
The situation has led to political parties being at loggerheads with each other, and the country’s economic challenges have exacerbated the tensions.
Ahsan’s warning serves as a reminder that adherence to the constitution and the rule of law must be maintained, regardless of political disagreements.
