On Friday, PTI lawyer Shoaib Shaheen said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had assured the party it would address concerns about the lack of a level playing field leading up to the general election on February 8. After a PTI delegation met with the ECP following directives from the Supreme Court earlier in the day, Shaheen spoke to the media and stated that “the grievances will be addressed” and action would be taken against anyone who tried to impede the electoral process.
The ECP has assured the party that all complaints will be resolved and that it will work to ensure free and fair elections, with federal and provincial authorities assisting in the process. Shaheen also mentioned the ECP’s established complaint cells in the provinces.
Separately, the ECP issued instructions to various officials regarding candidates’ nomination papers after receiving complaints about difficulties in receiving and submitting them.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had heard PTI’s plea for a level playing field in the elections and summoned the Attorney General of Pakistan and the ECP. The SC instructed the AGP to act as a facilitator and emphasized the importance of free and fair elections.
The court order stated that the ECP has the responsibility to conduct elections “honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with law” and ensure equal opportunity for all political parties and candidates. It also directed the ECP to address PTI’s grievances on an urgent basis.
In the petition, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan argued that the party should be allowed to contest elections without discrimination and criticized the treatment of PTI following the issuance of the election schedule. He mentioned the registration of FIRs and raids on the houses of PTI leaders and workers as violations of the Constitution and fundamental rights of citizens.