Can PDM Govt Challenge Supreme Court of Pakistan’s Decision? | Moiz Baig | Dawn News English

The Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to postpone polls to the Punjab Assembly till Oct 8 was “unconstitutional” and fixed May 14 as the date for polls in the province. “The impugned order dated 22.03.2023 made by the Election Commission of Pakistan is declared to be unconstitutional, without lawful authority or jurisdiction, void ab-initio, of no legal effect and is hereby quashed,” the ruling said. “Neither the Constitution nor the law empowers the Commission to extend the date of elections beyond the 90 days period as provided in Article 224(2) of the Constitution.” The ECP had on March 22 announced that the elections in Punjab would be held on October 8. The date was earlier set on April 30, in consultation with the president. The reserved verdict was issued today by a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Ijazul Ahsan. Legal expert Mirza Moiz Baig breaks down the verdict for us. Official Facebook:   / dawndotcom   Official Twitter:   / dawn_com   Website: www.dawn.com Official Instagram:   / dawnnewsenglish   #supremecourtpakistan #supremecourtdecision #electioncommissionofpakistan #pdm #electiondateannounced #dawnnews #pakistan #pakistannews #dawnnewsenglish