ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has rejected a petition calling for the disqualification of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and several other political figures, including federal cabinet members, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, former caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, and others. The petition was dismissed as frivolous and politically motivated, with the court imposing a fine of Rs. 500,000 on the petitioner.
Details of the Petition
Filed by Ashba Kamran, the petition accused the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of intentionally delaying general elections in collaboration with certain political parties, in violation of constitutional provisions. It further argued for the disqualification of several politicians under Articles 62 and 63, citing ongoing cases against figures such as Nawaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar, Talal Chaudhry, and Faisal Vawda.
The petitioner also alleged that the caretaker government had overstayed its tenure and that elections were not held within the constitutional timeframe of 90 days. The court was requested to declare the ECP and the interim government as having acted unconstitutionally.
Court’s Observations
IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq dismissed the petition, stating that the petitioner failed to provide sufficient grounds for her claims. Justice Farooq noted that the issue of delayed general elections had already been addressed by the Supreme Court, which directed the ECP to announce a new election date in consultation with the president.
The court highlighted that the ECP issued a notification on November 3, 2023, confirming February 8, 2024, as the general election date, resolving the matter in coordination with federal and provincial governments.
Conclusion
Justice Farooq ruled that the petitioner could not substantiate her case against the respondents and emphasized that such petitions should not be filed without valid grounds. The court also dismissed the petitioner’s earlier objection to the bench hearing the case, as no plausible justification was presented for transferring it to another bench.
