A contempt petition was filed Saturday in the Supreme Court (SC) over defying the apex court’s orders regarding the holding of elections in Punjab. The petition, filed by former MPAs including Zainab Umair and Talat Fatimi, demanded action over contempt of court against the prime minister, chief election commissioner and acting State Bank governor. It also pleaded with the court to order action against the attorney general, special finance secretary and the secretary and members of the election commission.

“The Supreme Court had ordered elections in Punjab on May 14,” the petition reads. “Neither funds nor security were provided for the elections,” it adds. “The court had directed the State Bank to ensure the provision of the funds by April 27,” it states. “The State Bank and the Ministry of Finance did not follow the court orders. The election commission is the protector and guardian of public opinion, and it has failed to perform its constitutional responsibility and comply with the court order,” it emphasised.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP