Pakistan Supreme Court to Issue Verdict on Election Delay: Government Refuses to Accept Rushed Decision, Imran Khan Proposes Two Options

Pakistan is facing a constitutional crisis as the Supreme Court prepares to deliver a verdict on the delay of Punjab Assembly elections. The Election Commission of Pakistan postponed the polls until October 8, 2023, prompting a petition from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The three-member bench of the Supreme Court heard arguments from all parties but did not hear counsels from coalition parties. The delay is now the most pressing issue in Pakistan, with the opposition accusing the Election Commission of overstepping its mandate and violating the Constitution. The PTI has called for fresh elections, arguing that the delay was unconstitutional and a violation of the rights of the people of Punjab. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned of a constitutional crisis leading to martial law, while former Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan is at a turning point in its constitutional history and could either become junta-governed Myanmar or follow the footsteps of Turkey.