ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) denounced on Saturday the “coercion” that victorious independent candidates had to endure in order to force them to affiliate with particular political parties against their wishes.
The announcement coincides with the announcements of numerous independent candidates, the majority of whom are backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, joining the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and other parties.
Seven additional independent candidates, including a recently elected National Assembly member, joined the PML-N on Friday after meeting with Rana Sanaullah and party leader Maryam Nawaz.
In a statement, the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) said that its members, Mr Riazat Ali Sahar, Vice Chairman, Mr Farooq Hamid Naek, Chairman Executive Committee, Mr Muhammad Ahsan Bhoon, Hafeezur Rehman Chaudhry, Pir Muhammad Masood Chishti, Mr Haroon-ur-Rashid, Mr Hassan Raza Pasha, Mr. Tahir Nasrullah Warraich, Mr Mirza Aziz Akbar Baig, Syed Amjad Shah, Mr Khush Dil Khan, (members PBC) are deeply troubled by the ongoing political unrest in the nation, especially in light of the allegations
They claimed that the legitimacy of the electoral process has diminished, as have its integrity and transparency, as well as its results. They demand that all political parties and interested parties that feel wronged by the electoral process and claims of electoral fraud work together to create an impartial commission that is supported by all of the parties.
“A transparent and equitable electoral process that commands the confidence of all citizens requires a commission that is devoid of any bias or influence,” the statement read.
The members stated that there are now more worries about the electoral process as a result of recent claims and revelations made by the Rawalpindi Commissioner. It said, “The PBC emphasises the critical need for a comprehensive investigation into these allegations.”
They also restated their earlier worries about the reliability and performance of Pakistan’s Chief Election Commissioner, which they had voiced prior to the election.
Sadly, the political parties ignored these worries, which led to a contributing factor in the current political unrest. According to them, the current situation would have been avoided had these issues—including the chairman of ECP’s resignation—been addressed sooner.
The PBC denounced the pressure independent candidates endured to unintentionally join particular political parties. The declaration further stated that “every independent candidate must have the freedom to choose their affiliation without undue pressure or interference.”
For Pakistan’s security and advancement, the PBC encouraged all parties involved to prioritise restoring confidence in the electoral process and to pledge to respect democratic ideals.
The members were also against Salman Akram Raja and Fawad Chaudhry’s arrests. They grieved that the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan’s demand for justice from the same institution through a press statement appeared to be a parody of justice after the Chief Election Commissioner tampered with the entire election process.
