Islamabad: Justice Athar Minallah wrote additional notes on specific seat cases regarding recent judicial decisions.
Justice Athar Minallah’s added statement highlighted the fact that the Supreme Court’s latest judgment did not disqualify any particular group altogether but pointed out misinterpretation of court orders that resulted in the exclusion of a major political party from contesting polls on February 8, thus disenfranchising voters.
Justice Athar Minallah, in his supplementary observations, stressed transparency and accountability should be ensured during electoral processes. He asked the Election Commission to submit a complete record comprising complaints received before, during, and after the February 8 elections, which were necessary for resolving individual seat disputes and protecting the fundamental democratic rights of citizens who are ultimate stakeholders.
Furthermore, he said the election commission must conduct general elections fairly and equally for all political parties. The commission’s constitutionally mandated role should be fulfilled without discrimination among various political entities to create a level playing field and enhance people’s trust in the electoral system.
The judge warned against treating the decision-making process about specific seats as mere technicalities while advocating a holistic approach that considers the broader ramifications of election-related determinations vis-Ã -vis the entire February 8 polls.
In his additional notes, the judge raised other points, including whether the Election Commission legally justified excluding PTI from participating in a voting exercise held on February 8. This inquiry indicates his desire that everything done during elections strictly comply with the rule of law. And respect the constitutional rights of both parties’ candidates and voters.
What is at stake here transcends individual seat disputes; it touches upon the foundations of democracy. And rule-based governance mechanisms within states such as Pakistan. Justice Athar Minallah’s remarks recognize the role played by courts in ensuring credibility and free and fair elections. In contrast, safeguarding each person’s entitlements enshrined in the Constitution.
In this regard, as Pakistan navigates through its electoral maze, Justice Athar Minallah’s words ring true for judges. Legal practitioners and broader society echo the need for openness, answerability, and impartiality to guide constitutional principles in achieving justice. Which sees the judiciary as the last bastion against violating citizens’ rights under democracy.
Justice Athar Minallah’s additional notes are evidence of his commitment to the rule of law. And promoting democratic ideals during electioneering processes in Pakistan. They underline the need for independence and accountability within the judiciary. When designing a robust, inclusive democratic framework around people’s interests.
