In the presence of worst financial and political crises in the country, some elements are trying to push Pakistan in a constitutional crisis by not holding general elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces as per constitution.
The constitution of Pakistan is clear about holding general elections of National Assembly or any provincial assembly whit in 90 days when the assembly complete its constitutional term or it dissolved earlier due to any reason.
In January, Punjab and Pakhtunkhwa assemblies were dissolved and caretaker governments were formed in the provinces to hold general elections of the two assemblies within 90 days, but both the caretaker governments failed to announced dates for elections. On this the Supreme Court took notice and ordered these governments to ensure holding the elections with in three months. After the Super Court order the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced election scheduled for Punjab Assembly with polling on 30 April. But now the ECP has postponed the elections and this situation is leading to a big constitutional crisis in the country.
In this regard, President Dr Arif Alvi on Friday penned a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging him to ensure the implementation of the Supreme Court’s orders in relation to the general elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In his letter, the president emphasized that all concerned executive authorities of the federal and provincial governments should be directed to assist the ECP to hold general elections in the two provinces, within the timeframe, in compliance of the apex court’s order, to avoid further complications including contempt of court.
President Alvi maintained that elections of provincial assemblies, in case of their dissolution under Article 105 or Article 112, were required to be held within 90 days under Article 224 (2) of the Constitution.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif should take advises and directions of the President seriously and do his best to hold general elections in Punjab and Pakhtunkhwa as per constitution and Supreme Court order, otherwise Pakistan will plunge into a dangerous constitutional crisis that will badly harm the unity and integrity of the country.
