ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a sharp rebuke to British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott following her speech criticizing Pakistan’s general elections in February 2024. The court urged the UK to learn from past mistakes and move forward constructively.
During the Asma Jahangir Conference last month, Marriott, quoting British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, expressed concerns about the February 8 elections in Pakistan. She highlighted that not all parties were permitted to contest, and legal processes were allegedly used to prevent certain political leaders from participating and using recognizable party symbols. Marriott emphasized the need for Pakistan’s government, civil society, and global players to foster an “open society” and “vibrant democracy.”
The Supreme Court’s registrar responded in a letter, dismissing Marriott’s criticism as unfounded. The letter clarified that the elections, which are required by law to be held within 90 days of the national and provincial assemblies’ completion, were delayed due to a dispute between the then-president Arif Alvi and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) over the election date. This matter was resolved within 12 days by the Supreme Court, leading to the elections on February 8, 2024.
The letter also addressed the historical context of election eligibility in Pakistan. Previously, many candidates faced lifetime bans for not being deemed “Sadiq and Ameen” (honest and trustworthy) by the Supreme Court. However, a larger seven-member bench later overturned this decision, ruling it unconstitutional.
Furthermore, the registrar explained the Elections Act of 2017, which mandates periodic intra-party elections to prevent autocracy within political parties. The law stipulates that parties failing to hold these elections are ineligible for an election symbol. A political party that voted for this law did not comply with the intra-party election requirement, and the Supreme Court enforced the law accordingly. Thus, Marriott’s criticism was deemed unjustified.
The Supreme Court’s letter highlighted the court’s commitment to transparency and democracy, noting that important cases are now broadcast live, allowing public scrutiny of its decisions. The court emphasized that recognizing past mistakes and embracing truth is essential for progress and avoiding cycles of violence.
The letter also raised historical grievances, questioning whether the overthrow of Iran’s Mohammad Mossadegh in 1953 and the implications of the Balfour Declaration of 1917 should not be openly acknowledged. The court argued that such acknowledgments could foster trust and peace.
The Supreme Court urged the UK to reflect on its past actions and promote equality, peace, and humanity, stressing the importance of honest recognition of past mistakes. The court called for reciprocal openness and democracy, echoing Marriott’s advocacy for transparent societies.
Concluding the letter, written on the instructions of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, the court extended its best regards to Marriott and the people of the UK, reaffirming its commitment to openness and democratic principles.
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