CJP seeks ministries' input on security for early polls.

Justice Bandial says political rivalry needs to be reduced to ensure free, fair elections in Punjab and KP n Imran Khan and other parties will have to give undertaking in writing for ensuring political tolerance.

ISLAMABAD - The Supreme Court of Pakistan Wednesday sought the input of MinA!istries of Defence and Interior on time-frame for security situation to improve for the elecA!tions in Punjab and KhyA!ber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

A five-member bench of the apex court headA!ed by Justice Umer Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail on Wednesday heard the Pakistan Tehreek-e-InA!saf (PTI) petition to set aside the ECP order dated 22-03-23 to delay the Punjab elections.

During the hearing, the Chief Justice said efforts should be made by all sides to maintain peace and calmness in the society. The intolA!erance, bitterness and animosity have risen in the society. He added that as result of political conflict, the State institutions have to get inA!volved though they must not be entering in to political debate.

Justice Bandial said that politA!ical rivalry needs to be reduced and conducive environment be created. You need to be fair for free and fair elections. You need to be sportsman. If you are gladA!iator, you will chop all.

Attorney General Mansoor Awan stated that after the 1997 elections there were allegations of rigging, but both sides (oppoA!sition and government) show political maturity, adding the political maturity required that we all sit together.

The Chief Justice said that we have to control the anger. ChairA!man Pakistan Tehreek-e-InA!saf (Imran Khan) would have to give undertaking in writing. There must be someone from the other political parties to give the commitment.

Justice Bandial said that the object of the proceeding is to keep the constitutional course and not to benefit any side. He said that democratic right was exercised by the chief minister of the two provinces. Their de-cision may be untimely, or in huA!bris they did it. Rollback is not permissible.

The Supreme Court asked the Ministries of Defence and the Interior to inform what is the shortest possible time when the security situation would improve so that elections in the Punjab and Khyber PakhA!tunkhwa could...