Elections in cantonment areas: process to be finalised by September 15, Supreme Court told

The Supreme Court was informed on Tuesday that the process of holding elections in all the Cantonment Boards of the country would be finalised by September 15, 2013. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry resumed the hearing of a petition filed by Raja Rab Nawaz regarding elections in Cantonment Board areas.
During the course of hearing, Secretary Defence submitted an undertaking stating that the process of election in all Cantonment Boards would be completed by September 15, 2013. Earlier, Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Munir A. Malik and Secretary Defence appeared before the bench and sought extension of time for holding elections in the cantonment boards.
The AGP contended that in pursuance of court's order the government was contemplating effecting essential amendments in relevant laws in relation to elections in cantonment boards, adding that as the process was yet to begin, it would consume some time; therefore, he had requested for extension of time. The bench after going through the statement, granted extension for holding elections in cantonment boards till September 15, 2013.
The court in its order directed that a copy of its order be sent to Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to ensure holding of election in accordance with Articles 32 and 140 of Constitution. The bench appreciated the efforts of the AGP in the instant case, saying that after 14 years, "elections are going to be held in cantonment areas." Expressing the hope that the provincial governments and Islamabad administration would make arrangements to hold local bodies elections in accordance with law, the bench disposed of the matter.