Resolution passes in Senate to delay Feb 8 Elections

ISLAMABAD The Senate approves a resolution to postpone the election schedule and polls during today’s session. The resolution was twice presented: once without caretaker information minister Murtaza Solangi present, and once with him present. The resolution was approved by the Senate both times with a majority.

During the Senate session, Senator Kahuda Babar expressed grave concerns regarding the nation’s declining security conditions, emphasizing the susceptibility of candidates running for office. The senator questioned the government’s efforts to guarantee public safety as well as the safety of voters taking part in the next elections.

The discussion was further heightened when Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi revealed that he had received threats from an unidentified source, underscoring the urgency of the situation. In places where the situation was especially bad, he demanded that the interior secretary summon the chief secretary.

In order to establish a favorable atmosphere for elections, Senator Behramand Tangi urged collaboration with security forces during the session. He expressed his dismay and brought up the threats that well-known individuals like Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Amil Wali Khan were facing, highlighting the necessity of political leadership working together with security forces to provide unified support.

Read More: Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry have been charged with contempt of court by ECP

Senator Dilawar Khan sent a resolution to the Senate Secretariat in response to the growing concerns. The resolution highlighted the critical need for an environment that is favorable to elections, referencing the concerning circumstances in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. It brought attention to recent attacks on prominent politicians like Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Mohsin Dawar, as well as threats against individuals like Aimal Wali Khan and others.

The resolution asked the Election Commission to postpone the elections scheduled for February 8 until a more suitable time and place could be determined. It brought to light the continued acts of terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in addition to the health department’s concerns regarding the possible spread of the coronavirus during the election process.

Separately, Senator Dilawar Khan sent a bill reiterating the necessity of transparent elections to the Senate Secretariat. He stated that ensuring a high voter turnout is the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) main duty and voiced concerns about attacks on political leadership.

Read More: PHC resumes hearing on ECP plea in PTI ‘bat’ symbol case

Sen. Dr. Afnanullah, however, was against the House election schedule being suspended. The resolution to postpone the general elections scheduled for February 8th ultimately passed by a majority vote, in spite of the opposition.