The recent Supreme Court (SC) ruling on the Punjab election delay case has been a major development in Pakistani politics, in fact, it has even garnered international attention. To clarify, the Supreme Court declared null and void the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision to delay the Punjab polls.
Amid this backdrop, US Congressman Brad Sherman has advised Pakistan to follow the Supreme Court ruling on the Punjab election delay case.
Congressman Brad Sherman is currently serving his thirteenth term in the US House of Representatives. He is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House Financial Services Committee, and a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
Read more: Constitutional Prime Minister must complete term: US Congressman Brad Sherman
According to the details, Congressman Brad Sherman held a telephonic conversation with PTI Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan – for whom the Supreme Court ruling is a victory – and discussed the Supreme Court’s decision. Imran Khan also spoke to Dr Asif Mahmood, who is the first Pakistani-American candidate for Congress.
Congressman Brad Sherman later tweeted about the conversation. He also expressed his surprise at Imran Khan working early in the morning.
“Just spoke to former Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan. Surprised that he’s working in the wee hours of the morning. He also spoke to my friend Dr Asif Mahmood. Spoke about today’s Supreme Court decision. For democracies to function, the parties must adhere to the rule of law and rulings of the Supreme Court,” Congressman Brad Sherman tweeted.
For democracies to function, the parties must adhere to the rule of law and rulings of the Supreme Court. (2/2)
— Congressman Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) April 4, 2023
Dr Asif Mahmood also tweeted about the conversation between Congressman Brad and PTI Chairman Imran Khan. While acknowledging the Pakistani government’s rejection of the Supreme Court ruling, Dr Asif Mahmood stressed that free, fair, and and timely elections are the real solution.
Very productive discussion between congressman @BradSherman and chairman @ImranKhanPTI about latest developments in #Pakistan, specially government coalition to defy #Supreme Court ruling we strongly stress again that free, fair and timely election is the real solution https://t.co/3kPM0zzsIn
— Dr. Asif Mahmood (@DrMahmood40) April 4, 2023
After striking down the ECP decision, the Supreme Court set polling day in Punjab for 14th May while directing ECP to postpone the election program by 13 days, saying that the ECP could not go beyond the 90-day stipulated time. The SC also maintained that 13 days were wasted because of the ECP’s unlawful decision. Furthermore, the federal government has been ordered to provide Rs 20 billion fund to the Election Commission by April 10, instead of April 30.
The decision was heavily celebrated in Pakistan by PTI and its supporters who have long campaigned for early elections. PTI even announced observing Wednesday as a day of thanks. However, the incumbent PDM government has completely rejected the SC verdict.
Read more: Victory for PTI as SC strikes down ECP decision to delay Punjab poll