The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has acknowledged that obtaining a stay order from the Lahore High Court against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) appointments for the general elections was a wrong move. PTI Senator Barrister Syed Ali Zafar hinted that the party might approach the court to withdraw the order.
Zafar mentioned that the PTI could seek the withdrawal of the stay order to expedite the case hearing on the merits of the appointment of returning officers (ROs) and district returning officers (DROs) for the general elections.
He admitted that the impression against the PTI for the delay in elections due to the stay order was somewhat correct, and criticism seemed justified.
While defending the party’s stance on challenging the appointments of officers from the bureaucracy, Zafar acknowledged a lack of communication within the PTI and stated that he did not realize the party was seeking a stay order, as there was no need for it.
The Lahore High Court had issued a stay order on the appointment of ROs and DROs from the bureaucracy based on a petition filed by the PTI. Consequently, the ECP halted the training of election officers, leading to concerns about a potential postponement of the polls.
In response to a query about accepting poll results conducted by judicial officers, Zafar emphasized the importance of accepting election results regardless of whether they are conducted by the judiciary or the bureaucracy. He stated that it was time to learn to accept the mandate of the masses.
The PTI’s actions have been criticized by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), with PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif accusing the PTI of conspiring to delay the February 8 general elections. Sharif stated that the PTI’s petition in the Lahore High Court was an attempt to sabotage people’s representation and accused the party of applying a double standard.
