Lahore : The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has postponed the assembly elections in Punjab province by more than five months, citing the deteriorating security situation in the economic crisis-hit country. In an order issued late on Wednesday night, the ECP said that after considering the information in the reports brought before the commission, it has been concluded that it is impossible to conduct the elections in a fair, just, transparent manner and in accordance with the Constitution.
The first election date set by the ECP was 30 April. “Therefore, the election schedule is withdrawn and a fresh schedule will be issued with the date of poll on October 8,” the commission said. This move of the ECP has been criticized by Imran Khan, former Prime Minister and chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. He said that postponing the election till October is a violation of the Constitution of Pakistan.
The assemblies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces were dissolved by the previous governments of Khan’s party on 14 and 18 January, respectively. The ECP said the decision was taken after giving information provided by the government and various departments and intelligence agencies that “the law and order situation in the country does not permit elections to be held in any province at this point of time.”
Read the Latest India News Today on The Eastern Herald.
