According to sources, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has approved over 76 percent of the nomination papers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidates. The commission has also submitted a detailed report on the level playing field to the Supreme Court registrar.
Earlier, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Inspector General Police (IGP) of Punjab Dr Usman Anwar, chief secretary, and AG Punjab following a petition by PTI seeking contempt of court proceedings against the ECP for failing to address the party’s concerns about the level playing field ahead of the upcoming polls. The SC had directed the ECP to address PTI’s complaints about a level playing field in the general elections.
In response to the SC orders, the ECP has taken notice of PTI’s reservations about the lack of a level playing field and has instructed provincial election commissioners, chief secretaries, and inspector-generals to address PTI’s complaints about mishandling of candidates and difficulties in filing nomination papers.
During the hearing, PTI submitted additional evidence to the SC, highlighting the rejection of nomination papers of 668 PTI candidates by ECP-appointed returning officers.
The plea moved on behalf of PTI sought a direction from the Supreme Court to ensure a level playing field by not arresting PTI candidates, workers, and leaders, and to prevent harassment of seconders. The petitioner urged the apex court to direct the respondents to provide a level playing field to PTI for free and fair elections.