SC Disposes Plea for New Elections,Imposes Fine as Petitioner Absent

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has dismissed a plea seeking the annulment of the February 8 general elections after the petitioner, Ali Khan, failed to appear at two consecutive hearings.

Ali Khan had filed an application urging the apex court to declare the elections null and void and order new elections within 30 days under judicial supervision. He emphasized the need for fairness, transparency, and accountability in the electoral process.

During the previous hearing, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa expressed concern over the manipulation of court processes when Ali Khan did not attend. Today, despite the resumption of proceedings with a three-member bench led by CJP Isa, Ali Khan was once again absent.

Consequently, the Supreme Court disposed of the plea and imposed a fine of Rs500,000 on the petitioner. Additional Attorney General Amir Rehman informed the court that despite efforts to serve notice to Ali Khan, including through the defence ministry and pasting the notice on his residence’s gate, the petitioner remained unreachable.

In an email to the court, Ali Khan stated he was abroad and attached his travel documents as proof. The CJP confirmed receipt of the email, noting Ali’s journey to Bahrain via Doha.

Amidst proceedings, PTI leader Shaukat Basra attempted to intervene, but the CJP directed him to return to his seat, emphasizing his lack of relevance to the case. The court expressed dismay at Basra’s insistence to speak and summoned Supreme Court Bar Association President Shahzad Shaukat to address the matter.

The CJP warned of action if Basra discussed the case outside the courtroom. The court concluded that Ali Khan had sent an email to the SC’s fixation branch on February 19, stating his inability to appear in person due to travel abroad.