ISLAMABAD – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday postponed the Punjab Assembly elections until October 8. A formal notification in this regard has also been issued by the commission.
In the notification, the electoral watchdog maintained that Punjab Assembly elections will now be held on October 8, and a new schedule will be issued for the polls.
ECP said under the circumstances conveyed by the Law Enforcement Agencies, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior and Chief Secretary Punjab, the Commission convened meetings to deliberate extensively on the matter of General Elections in Punjab.
Electoral watchdog said it is not possible to hold and organize the elections honestly, justly, fairly, in a peaceful manner and in accordance with the Constitution and law on April 30.
“In exercise of powers conferred upon it under Article 218(3) read with Section 58 and Section 8 (c) of the Elections Act, 2017 and all other powers enabling it in that behalf, and deriving wisdom from the “Workers Party through its General Secretary Akhtar Hussain Advocate versus Federation of Pakistan and others” reported as PLD 2012 SC 681, the Commission hereby withdraws the election program issued vide Notification No. F. 2(3)/2023/Cord dated 8th March, 2023 and fresh schedule will be issued in due course of time with poll date on 08th October, 2023,” ECP said.
ECP’s decision is in violation of Supreme Court of Pakistan which ordered the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within 90 days.
This is a developing story, and will be updated later…
