The Federal government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has filed reference under Article 186 in the Supreme Court for its interpretation on the issue of holding the Senate elections through open ballot/ show of hands, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Wednesday. 

President Arif Alvi signed the reference earlier in the day and now after filing the reference in SC, the President sought the Supreme Court’s opinion on bringing necessary changes in Section 122 (6) of Election Act 2017 for the purpose without any constitutional amendment. 

The move came after the federal cabinet had decided to seek the Supreme Court opinion on the issue with a stated aim of bringing transparency to the Senate election process – a suggestion rejected by the opposition which believes it is meant for stopping possible defections in the ruling party and alliance. 

In this connection, the opposition says that a constitutional amendment is required to change the polling mechanism. 

Meanwhile, the PDM has planned tendering resignations from the assemblies and breaking the Senate’s Electoral College to press Prime Minister Imran Khan for leaving the office and holding fresh general elections in the country. 

The opposition fears that the PTI government, among other things, would undo the 18th Amendment and go for centralisation of powers after gaining a majority in the Senate thanks to the next round of Upper House’s polls. Therefore, removal of Prime Minister Imran Khan is necessary before the Senate elections as per the Pakistan Democratic Movement leaders constant statements made in the media in recent weeks.