We will follow constitution regardless of insults: CEC

ISLAMABAD: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja on Tuesday affirmed that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would continue working under the Constitution, regardless of external pressures. “Even if we are insulted, we will follow the Constitution and the law,” Raja said during a hearing regarding the reshuffling of election tribunals for three Islamabad constituencies on Tuesday. During the hearing, PTI’s candidate Amir Mughal’s son requested an extension due to his father’s legal challenges, and CEC granted until the next day to arrange a lawyer. Raja also urged petitioners to submit separate applications for each constituency, raising concerns about their seriousness. PTI’s lawyer, Shoaib Shaheen, complained about not receiving the commission’s previous orders, to which CEC directed the provision of documents within five minutes and promised an inquiry into the delay. Tensions rose when Shaheen remarked that PTI felt like “outsiders” in the current system, and Raja responded that the commission operates under the Constitution and law, regardless of insults. Shaheen denied the use of inappropriate language but was advised to consult his colleagues regarding past incidents. The tribunal hearing was later adjourned until 12:30pm, with other petitions set for October.