Pakistan election tribunals struggle with backlog two years after polls

From Islamabad, Dawn reports on a persistent issue plaguing Pakistan's electoral landscape: the glacial pace of justice in election tribunals. Two years on from the contentious General Elections of 2024, a significant backlog of petitions continues to cast a shadow over the legitimacy of numerous lawmakers. The Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) highlights a stark reality: 128 cases, nearly a third of those filed, are still awaiting adjudication. This delay not only undermines public trust but also leaves elected officials in a precarious position, holding office under a legal cloud. The mandated 180-day period for tribunals to decide these cases expired in October 2024, yet proceedings drag on, often with special conditions and mandatory cost payments for adjournments. The situation is particularly concerning given the varying disposal rates across provinces. Balochistan shows a commendable pace, while Sindh's tribunals appear overwhelmed or inactive. The stalled petitions in Islamabad, caught in litigation within the Islamabad High Court, further complicate matters. This ongoing saga raises serious questions about the efficiency and impartiality of our electoral dispute resolution mechanisms, demanding urgent attention to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done in a timely manner.

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election tribunals across Pakistan have yet to dispose of nearly a third of election petitions.