The Senate Secretariat has reportedly urged the country’s top electoral authority to promptly revise the election schedule, following the Upper House of Parliament’s resolution on Friday advocating a delay in the upcoming general elections. The resolution, which is non-binding, was transmitted to key stakeholders, including the president, interim prime minister, Election Commission of Pakistan, law ministry, and other relevant departments.
Despite the Senate’s majority vote in favor of the resolution, various political figures, including an interim minister, and parties from diverse political perspectives have rejected it. Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi emphasized that the government, not empowered by the federal cabinet to support the resolution, stands firmly behind the Election Commission’s decision to proceed with the elections on February 8.
Senator Dilawar Khan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa moved the resolution, citing the unsuitable law and order situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for holding elections. However, voices within political circles, such as PTI’s Barrister Gohar Khan, dismissed the resolution as lacking legal or binding force in the constitutional electoral process.
A resolution of 14 Senators based on their personal opinions, has no legal or binding force in the constitutional process of holding General Elections. Elections must take place on time and Supreme Court to enforce its orders and observations regarding February 08, Elections. PTI…
— Barrister Gohar Khan (@BarristerGohar) January 5, 2024
During a press conference, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman clarified that the party supports timely elections. She mentioned that Senator Tangi, who opposed the resolution, would be scrutinized for the factual situation, and if necessary, the party would seek an explanation from him. The PML-N also expressed its categorical stance against a delay in the February 8 polls, aligning with the Election Commission’s schedule, as articulated by party spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb.
