Senator Hidayatullah presented a resolution on Friday, calling for the postponement of the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8. The resolution, formally submitted to the Senate Secretariat, urges the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to consider delaying the polls by three months. Hidayatullah, representing the Independent Parliamentary Group, cited a recent surge in violent attacks and an increase in incidents targeting election candidates as key reasons for the proposed delay.
Meanwhile, political divisions emerged as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) requested a senate session on Thursday to ensure the timely conduct of the general elections. PTI senator Ali Zafar garnered support from senate members, including PPP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to discuss the matter and emphasized the importance of conducting polls on schedule. The requisition argued that political instability would be detrimental to Pakistan, and holding elections on time is crucial to strengthening democracy.
This development follows a previous resolution passed on January 5, where a sparsely attended senate approved a postponement of the general elections. The resolution, moved by independent lawmaker Senator Dilawar Khan, highlighted concerns about extreme weather conditions in hilly areas and a deteriorating security situation. Only 14 senate members were present on the day of the resolution, with opposition from PML-N Senator Afnanullah Khan and caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi. Senator Dilawar also emphasized the ongoing presence of COVID-19 as a reason for the suggested delay.
The debate surrounding the timing of the general elections reflects the complex challenges faced by the Pakistani political landscape, with differing opinions on the necessity of the proposed postponement. The Election Commission and relevant stakeholders now face the task of carefully weighing the arguments and making a decision that ensures the integrity and safety of the electoral process.
