The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday decided to postpone local elections in Karachi for the third time, according to a press release issued by the election watchdog.
This decision was taken after the Sindh government’s third request to postpone the local body elections scheduled for October 23 in seven districts of Karachi for three months.
The second phase of local body elections in Sindh was originally scheduled for July 24, but it was postponed twice due to abnormal rains and flood crisis.
The Sindh government said that it is facing difficulties in providing security for the elections as it is facing a shortage of 16,000 police personnel.
According to the press release, the ECP had no option but to postpone the local elections as “peaceful conduct of elections and protection of voters” was its top priority.
The ECP decided to hold another meeting after 15 days to seek feedback from the provincial government and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that the local body elections are held as soon as possible and their A date should be set.
The press release explained that the ECP had written to the Home Ministry to ensure the provision of Pakistan Army jawans and Rangers to meet the shortage of police personnel, but the Ministry replied that such a move was not possible.
The Home Ministry had informed the ECP that the Army and Rangers could be provided as a quick reaction force. The press release added that the ministry’s response forced the ECP to delay the elections for the time being.
Apart from this, it was also said that the by-elections on NA 45 Karam will be held on October 30 and in this regard necessary instructions have been issued to the institutions to complete the arrangements.
The Kuram by-election was originally postponed to October 16 in view of the law and order situation in the constituency.
Reacting to this development, PTI Secretary General Asad Umar claimed that the “imported government ran away again”. “How long will you run?” he questioned.
