ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan on Monday decided to discuss the date of elections in the province with Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman and asked him for February 14.
The meeting of the commission was held here under the chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. Members, Secretary ECP and other senior officials also attended the meeting. According to a brief statement issued after the meeting, “An important meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan was held today under the chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja.” In the meeting, the implementation of Lahore High Court’s order of February 10 was considered.
The ECP has requested the Governor to give adequate time for the meeting on February 14 to discuss the date of Punjab Assembly elections and the necessary communication has also been issued in this regard.
The Commission has appointed its Special Secretary and Director General (Law) headed by the former to consult the Governor on his behalf. He will brief the ECP so that he can consider the future course of action.
On February 13, the Lahore High Court, accepting the request of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf, ordered the Election Commission to immediately announce the date of the Punjab Assembly elections. The court said that the ECP is bound to hold elections within 90 days after the dissolution of the assembly, so the election schedule should be released immediately.
“The ECP has been directed to immediately announce the date of Punjab Provincial Assembly elections with a notification after consultation with the Governor, the constitutional head of the province and ensure that the elections are held within 90 days. It should be done in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution,” the judgment added.
On its part, the ECP also considered President Arif Alvi’s letter to the Chief Election Commissioner on Friday, seeking dates for elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja discussed the constitutional and legal implications of the February 8 letter, its constitutional and legal implications and the constitutional and legal responsibilities of the commission.
The ECP also considered the Home Ministry’s letter dated February 8, which said that in view of the worsening law and order situation in the country and the war against terrorism, the Pakistan Army and Civil Armed Forces should be deployed for election duties. Cannot be provided.
Further, the ECP considered the economic situation of the country, as recorded by the Finance Division and the non-availability of required funds for holding elections. The ministry had urged the ECP to defer the request for release of funds. Similarly, the meeting discussed the security concerns and other factors that are necessary for the peaceful conduct of the elections.
