ISLAMABAD: There is no margin in the Constitution to allow for a delay in the general elections, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar asserted on Thursday.
“Thankfully we have a Constitution that states everything,” he said while addressing an event at the bar association.
“If you think elections cannot be postponed because there is no margin to do so in the Constitution then they would not be delayed, but if you think there are chances then this could happen.”
However, the chief justice added that parts of the Constitution that he has read so far do not allow elections to be postponed.
“Apart from the Constitution, there is faith that the public of Pakistan has entrusted upon me, which I will not breach,” Chief Justice Nisar said while talking about elections being conducted on time.
The CJP also spoke about reports of a ‘judicial martial law’, saying he would try to resist it even if he is alone in doing so. “If I am unable to resist martial law then I would pack up and go home, but would not endorse it,” he said, referring to traditional martial laws.
He added that the term ‘judicial martial law’ does not even make sense.
The CJP said he did not deem it right to speak much on the topic as the event he was addressing was held in honour of the services of human rights activist and noted lawyer Asma Jahangir, who passed away earlier this year.
While speaking about Jahangir, the CJP said she had great leadership qualities and above all was a great humanitarian.
