Islamabad
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Saturday raised questions over change in the schedule of submission of nomination papers for the Senate polls and demanded explanation from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). PPP general secretary and former chairman of the Senate, Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said the ECP’s decision has raised concerns. He said PPP’s request of extension was turned down earlier and the schedule has now been changed.
Nayyar Bukhari alleged that the election commission played a role of facilitator of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the ruling party, after it failed in finalizing the Senate candidates. Let it be known that the ECP has extended the date for submission of nomination papers for the Senate elections till Monday.
According to a press release issued by the ECP, the date has been extended to facilitate the candidates. As per the new schedule, the list of contesting candidates will be published on Tuesday (February 16). The scrutiny of nomination papers will be held on the February 17 and February 18 while the candidates can file appeals against acceptance or rejection of nomination papers on 20th of this month.
The last date for disposing of these appeals is February 23 and the revised list of candidates will be published on 24th of this month. The candidates can withdraw their nomination papers on 25th of this month. The PML-N leader, while referring to Prime Minister Imran Khan, said that every effort is being made to protect ‘incompetent’ and vowed to continue raising voice against biased system. She further said that Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) supports election reforms.
Earlier, a statement issued by PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said that her party’s parliamentary board had also finalized the names for tickets in the Senate. She said that names of five party leaders from Punjab province have been approved and it has been decided to give party ticket to Advocate Azam Nazir Tarar for the technocrat seat.—INP
