As the general elections draw near, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is finalizing preparations to address voter inquiries and ensure a smooth electoral process. To facilitate voters, the ECP has advised individuals to obtain voting details by sending their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) number to 8300.
The ECP has provided voters with information through text messaging services, offering details such as census block, serial number in the voter list, family code, National Assembly and provincial assembly constituency numbers, area name, district election commissioner’s telephone number, ECP helpline number, and website.
In compliance with a Supreme Court order, the ECP announced the election schedule for the upcoming February 8 polls on December 15. However, twenty days after the schedule announcement, the Senate of Pakistan passed a resolution advocating for a delay in the general elections scheduled for February 8.
The resolution, presented by Senator Dilawar Khan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), received majority approval. It argued that the law and order situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was not conducive to holding elections and proposed a delay until the security situation improves.
The resolution cited recent terror attacks in the country, including those targeting JUI-F leader Maulana Fazalur Rehman and National Democratic Movement leader Mohsin Dawar. Despite the Senate’s resolution, neither the ECP nor the Supreme Court bodies officially announced a delay in the elections. The ECP remains committed to conducting free and fair elections on the scheduled date of February 8, as affirmed by the Chief Election Commissioner. The issue of the election date is now back in the Supreme Court’s domain following the Senate’s resolution.
