The Supreme Court on Wednesday observed that political parties continued their election campaigns even on the polling day, which was prohibited under the law. A three-member bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and Justice Tariq Parvez made these observations during the hearing of a petition filed by Workers Party.
The petitioner was sought a limit on election expenditures. During the hearing, the chief justice remarked that election campaigns must be abandoned before 48 hours of the start of polling as required by the law. According to him, bringing voters to the polling camps was also a violation of the law.
Continuing his arguments, Abid Hasan Minto, counsel for Workers Party, submitted that the trend of lavish expenditures by political parties during their election campaigns must be discouraged and leaders of political parties should be asked to abide by laws. The Chief Justice said even after four years, the Election Commission had not yet prepared verified voter lists. Justice Khilji Arif Hussain remarked that it is the responsibility of the Election Commission to hold free, fair and transparent elections in the country.
Minto stated that the state-run television and radio as well as private electronic channels could play pivotal role towards the election process. The chief justice however observed that private TV channels were playing a significant role in highlighting national issues.
In compliance with the court's earlier order, Attorney General Maulvi Anwarul Haq submitted before the court a reply of the government over the petitioner's plea. The bench asked Minto to conclude his arguments by Thursday (today), so that the counsel for other political parties could also be heard. The hearing was adjourned till April 12.
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