The country’s top electoral authority has rejected the PTI’s allegations of lack of a level playing field for the party before the general elections, scheduled to take place on February 8.

In a response submitted to the Supreme Court, the Election Commission of Pakistan imposed a fine on the party while rejecting the allegations in the context of the returning officers’ report.

The reply was submitted in response to the apex court’s December 22 order where the SC had directed the ECP to attend to the PTI’s grievances urgently and resolve these expeditiously to ensure that the electoral process remains smooth, open, transparent, free and fair.

The PTI’s plea alleged that the electoral body violated SC directives for a level playing field in the polls.

The polls overseer added that a meeting was held with the leaders of PTI on the directives of the Supreme Court where the former ruling party was assured of providing a level playing field without any discrimination.

It added that the ECP has issued directives to the inspector general of police in four provinces and as many as 36 complaints of the PTI were registered by December 26.

Also, read this

Election date issue again lands in Supreme Court after Senate resolution

Imran Khan writes opinion piece ‘by invitation’ in lead British daily

EU sees elections as a ‘test’ for Pakistan, plans to send smaller observer group: Ambassador

The response added that the IGP, chief secretary, and returning officers had submitted a response to the complaints.

According to the ECP, as many as 598 nomination papers – out of the 843 submitted by the party for the National Assembly seats – were accepted. Moreover, the electoral watchdog accepted 1,398 nomination papers, out of the 1,777 submitted by the PTI for the provincial assembly seats.

“76.18% of nomination papers of the PTI candidates were approved,” the ECP said.

Pakistan’s political scenario took a turn earlier this week when a resolution seeking poll delay was approved by the Senate, triggering a sharp reaction from political parties and a caretaker minister.

But the next a petition was filed in the top court against the Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and senators involved in passing a resolution. The plea sought contempt proceedings against them.

The petition was filed by lawyer Ishtiaque Ahmed Mirza soon after the Senate Secretariat asked the country’s top electoral authority to immediately change the election schedule.