NA Adopts Resolution Declining SC Punjab Elections Ruling, Urges PM to Disregard it”

On Thursday, the National Assembly adopted a resolution rejecting the Supreme Court’s decision in the Punjab elections to delay the case, which was made by a three-judge panel.

The ECP’s decision to set back the elections in the province from April 30 to October 8 was overturned by the top court on April 4, declaring the action to be “unconstitutional, without lawful authority or jurisdiction, void ab-initio, [and] of no legal effect.”

In a cabinet meeting yesterday, the Prime Minister called the decision a “mockery of the Constitution and law” and said it could not be implemented.

That sentiment was repeated in the National Assembly today, which not only passed a resolution denouncing the Supreme Court’s April 4 decision but also urged the prime minister not to follow it.

Khalid Magsi of the Balochistan Awami Party introduced the resolution, which was read aloud on the floor of the house.

“This house rejects the three-member bench’s minority decision and binds the prime minister and cabinet not to implement the unconstitutional and unlawful decision,” Magsi said as he read the resolution.

It stated that the house believes that holding general elections across the nation at the same time would be the best solution to all problems. It was noted that this is in accordance with the process established by law and the Constitution for political and economic stability.

The house expressed concern about “interference in political matters,” alleging that the “minority’s” decisions are causing anarchy in the country and paving the way for division among the federating units.

The resolution also expressed concern about the “wrong interpretation” of Article 63-A of the Constitution and requested that a full Supreme Court be formed to review it.

The prime minister arrived briefly and left soon after the resolution was passed.