ISLAMABAD: The delegations of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) have been assured by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of their commitment to conduct the upcoming general elections. JEE News reported Friday.
This decision of the election body came during the consultation with representatives of PTI and JUI-F on the election road map.
The talks were part of the ECP’s discussions with major political parties on electoral issues such as delimitation, holding of elections and other related issues.
According to a statement from ECP’s Media Coordination and Outreach Wing, the forum chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja emphasized the need for transparency in the electoral process while ensuring equal opportunities for all parties. He also assured of his responsibility.
The meeting was attended by the members of Election Commission, Secretary and other senior officials. A PTI delegation attended the meeting at 2 pm while JUI(F) representatives joined at 3 pm to provide their input on the election roadmap.
The PTI delegation emphasized the need to hold elections within 90 days as per the constitution. He advocated immediate release of arrested party leaders and supporters, permission for political rallies and equal political opportunities for PTI.
Furthermore, the party delegation expressed the belief that demarcation at this point was unnecessary.
On the other hand, the JUI(F) delegation acknowledged the constitutional necessity of holding elections but stressed the importance of completing the delimitation process after the official publication of the census results.
He highlighted the need for accurate voter estimates based on the new census data and called for correcting discrepancies in the electoral roll and appointing impartial returning officers.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to ongoing consultations with political parties for future cooperation.
The PTI delegation included Dr. Babar Awan, Barrister Ali Zafar, Umair Niazi and Ali Muhammad Khan (via video link) while JUI(F) was represented by Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Hydari, Jalaluddin, Maulana Darwish and Kamran Murtaza.
The atmosphere of the consultation meeting was cooperative and pleasant. Later, PTI and JUI-F leaders briefed the media outside the commission to outline the topics covered during the meeting.
Barrister Zafar appreciated the commission’s invitation and highlighted three important points discussed during the meeting: Election Commission’s responsibility to ensure elections within 90 days. PTI’s commitment to support fair elections within this timeframe; And the need to amend Article 51 of the Constitution to implement the census.
Senator Hydari of JUI(F) said that various important issues were discussed in the meeting and the desire for elections as per the constitution was reiterated.
He stressed the need to prevent a repeat of the problems encountered during the 2018 general elections, aiming for a credible electoral process that would command the confidence of the nation.
