ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that the upcoming general election in Pakistan will be conducted based on the new digital census. He dismissed suggestions that holding the election based on the new census would lead to any delay in the polls.
He mentioned that once the countrywide results of the census are available, he would convene a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI), which includes all provincial chief ministers.
During the interview, PM Shehbaz emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to conduct the elections. He reaffirmed that there is no reason for any delay. He clarified that his government’s tenure will be completed on August 12, and they will not seek an extension.
The Prime Minister’s statement contrasts with the remarks made by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah. He previously said that the government would not notify the new census due to “issues”. Therefore the elections would be held based on the previous census and delimitation.
This announcement is likely to ease tensions with coalition partner Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). MQM has expressed concerns about the census results. It has insisted that the population of Karachi is higher than what was recorded in the 2017 census. PM Shehbaz’s statement assures that the new census data will be used for the upcoming elections and delimitation process.
Ruling Parties Engage In Intensive Consultations To Finalize The Appointment Of An Interim Prime Minister
The process of appointing a caretaker Prime Minister in Pakistan has reached a crucial stage, with intensified consultations taking place between the government and its allies. The government has requested the parties to nominate names for the caretaker position after consulting with their leadership
The government coalition is currently discussing five potential candidates for the caretaker Prime Minister position. The PPP and PML-N are also conducting consultations with their respective allies to finalize their preferred candidates.
