ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has expressed reservations about the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the current Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Sikandar Sultan Raja. In a statement, the PBC raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the upcoming general elections, citing an imbalance in the distribution of seats, doubts about the integrity of the electoral process, and a lack of equal opportunities for all political parties.
The PBC’s statement specifically mentioned concerns about the distribution of seats in Jhelum, Gujranwala, and Rawalpindi districts, suggesting that these areas may be underrepresented in the upcoming elections. The statement also noted that the current ratio of population to constituencies is raising questions about the fairness of the electoral process.
“It is clear that the conduct of the commission raises serious doubts about the integrity of the general elections,” the PBC statement said. “In the light of these circumstances, the Election Commission cannot turn a blind eye to these critical issues.”
The PBC called on the Supreme Court of Pakistan to take notice of these concerns and to ensure that the upcoming elections are free, fair, and transparent. The Bar Council also announced that it will soon convene an All Pakistan Representative Convention to discuss the issue of electoral reform.
“The main objective is not just elections but free, fair and transparent elections,” the PBC statement said. “All stakeholders should be provided with equal opportunities.”
The PBC’s statement comes amid growing concerns about the upcoming general elections in Pakistan. The elections are scheduled to be held in 2023, and there is already a great deal of political uncertainty in the country. The PBC’s concerns about the ECP and the CEC are likely to add to this uncertainty and could potentially have a significant impact on the outcome of the elections.
It is important to note that the PBC’s statement is just one perspective on the issue of electoral reform in Pakistan. There are many other stakeholders involved in this process, and it is likely that there will be a variety of different opinions on how to best ensure that the upcoming elections are free, fair, and transparent.
