SUPREME COURT VERDICT: This is with reference to the recent reports “SC says withdrawal of ‘rigging’ plea abuse of its process” (Feb 20) and ‘Petitioner seeking to undo polls jets out of the country’ (Feb 22). According to the two reports, the Supreme Court (SC) took a stern stance regarding a petition filed to declare the elections null and void, emphasising the gravity of such a legal move and expressing dissatisfaction with the subsequent withdrawal of the appeal. The apex court’s verdict carries immense weight and importance in navigating the country’s future course.

Qamar Bashir
Islamabad

POLITICS AND BETRAYAL: The elections in any country represent the transfer of power from one hand to another. In this process, the voters, the manifestos of the contesting political parties and their candidates are supposed to be the key players. Any political observer, however, would do well to read George Orwell’s classic satirical, allegorical novella, The Animal Farm, to have a chance of understanding the dynamics of power struggle in any given setup. The political fable tells us how a few cunning beings fool around with the rest by masquerading themselves as the champions of their rights and resources.

Abid Ali Burki
Bannu

THE IGNORED FACTORS: No political party in Pakistan has ever introduced any constitutional amendment for the democratisation of the fragile civilian structure in the country. Being a student of political science, I would like to give some suggestions in this critical regard. Article 6 of the Constitution should be amended, and a provision should be added to cover the manipulators of electoral exercise and their abettors. Besides, every civil institution must have a civilian head. Moreover, there should be a consensus among the political classed on not allowing any non-political force to meddle in civilian matters. Such a constitutional amendment will ensure a consolidated domocratic system.

Shahrukh Haider
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2024