In Islamabad, Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa emphasized the importance of casting votes, stating that even in the absence of opposition, citizens should exercise their right to vote.
The Supreme Court’s three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa and including Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musrat Hilali, heard the Election Commission’s appeal against the Peshawar High Court’s decision.
During the hearing, PTI lawyer Ali Zafar argued that Akbar S. Babar failed to submit his nomination papers within the allotted time. Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa questioned why no one had voted in the election. Ali Zafar explained that there was no competition as Akbar S. Babar did not present a panel.
Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa emphasized the democratic process, stating that forming panels and dividing them among individuals would undermine the essence of democracy. He highlighted the importance of receiving votes, stating that even in Senate elections, a minimum vote limit exists. Ali Zafar defended his uncontested election as a senator, asserting that he had secured the seat as a technocrat.
Referring to the notification of uncontested elections in PML-N, Ali Zafar mentioned that such occurrences were common in various parties, including the ANP. Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa refrained from commenting on uncontested elections within political parties, acknowledging their prevalence.