We Will Uphold the Constitution, No Matter the Criticism: Chief Election Commissioner
Islamabad, Oct 01:Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja emphasized that the Election Commission will continue to operate in accordance with the Constitution and the law, regardless of criticism. His remarks came during a hearing concerning the transfer of election tribunals in three constituencies of Islamabad, presided over by a four-member commission.
Advocate Anjum Aqeel informed the commission that a new application is being submitted. Meanwhile, Amir Mughal’s son, a candidate supported by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), appeared and requested additional time, citing multiple FIRs against his father, which prevented them from hiring a lawyer. He requested a three-to-four-week extension.
In response, the Chief Election Commissioner granted time until the next day to arrange legal representation, while also instructing separate applications for each constituency. He questioned the seriousness of the applicants, asking, "Do you want us to dismiss the request?"
PTI’s lawyer, Shoaib Shaheen, raised concerns over not receiving a copy of the Commission’s final order despite having requested it. In response, the Chief Election Commissioner ordered that the copy be provided within five minutes and initiated an inquiry into the delay.
Shaheen expressed frustration, stating that PTI feels like outsiders in this process. Member Balochistan questioned, "How are you outsiders?" to which Shaheen referred to the injustices faced by his party.
The Chief Election Commissioner reiterated that the Election Commission operates under the Constitution and will continue to do so, regardless of insults directed at the institution. Shoaib Shaheen clarified that his party has not engaged in insults, to which Sikandar Sultan Raja responded, "You should ask your colleagues about that."
The hearing of applications by Anjum Aqeel and Khurram Nawaz was adjourned until 12:30 PM today, while Tariq Fazal Chaudhry's application hearing was postponed until October 4.
