ISLAMABAD: Chief of Tehrik-i-Minhaujul Quran (TMQ), Tahirul Qadri, on Monday said he did not believe his petition calling for the reconstitution of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) could lead to a delay in the upcoming general elections, DawnNews reported.

Speaking to media representatives outside the Supreme Court, Qadri said the ECP had to fulfill the criterion of transparency in accordance with the Constitution.

He added that an institution which had to meet these requirements had not been constituted in line with the Constitution.

Qadri said his petition would not lead to a delay in the elections, adding that his objective was to ensure that transparent polls be held in the country.

On Feb 9, the apex court had accepted the petition seeking the ECP’s reconstitution for hearing.

The case will be taken up by a three-judge bench comprising the chief justice and Justices Gulzar Ahmed and Sheikh Azmat Saeed. After a preliminary hearing, the court may order constitution of a larger bench to take up the matter.

Notices had already been issued for Monday to Attorney General Irfan Qadir and the petitioner who wishes to argue the case himself.

Legal analysts are attaching great importance to the petition, saying that serious issues raised in it may entail judicial intervention and delay the elections.