ISLAMABAD: A day after lawmakers belonging to the PTI, PPP and JI requisitioned the Senate session to discuss timely conduct of general elections scheduled for Feb 8, another resolution seeking to delay polls for three months in view of the fragile security situation landed in the Senate Secretariat on Friday.

“The Upper House of the Parliament in the context of the culmination of phases in respect of the constitutional responsibility of holding elections expresses deep concern over the rising incidents of targeting electoral candidates,” a resolution submitted with the Senate Secretariat by ‘independent’ lawmaker Senator Hidayat Ullah reads.

The resolution referred to the surge in acts of terrorism and violence in the country with particular reference to armed attacks in North Waziristan, Bajaur and Turbat, causing severe injuries to a veteran nationalist politician running for national and provincial assembly seats, and killing of another candidate.

The resolution said that these incidents had perturbed the country and created an environment of insecurity.

ECP and SC urged to postpone polls in view of security challenges

It added that threatening pamphelets sent to residences and campaign offices of the electoral candidates had added to the security challenges.

It said the Upper House of Parliament recognises that holding general elections was a constitutional responsibility, but stressed that it equally lays emphasis on free and fair conduct of polls and security of all stakeholders and hindrance-free participation in the electoral process, and guarantees protection of lives and property of the people being a fundamental right.

The resolution said that Article 9 of the Constitution highlights that it was a basic right, which has to be provided by the State.

The resolution urged the Election Commission of Pakistan and the Supreme Court to sympathetically consider conduct of peaceful elections and postpone the polls for three months in view of the security challenges.

During this time, the resolution said, the government should create an environment guaranteeing a level-playing field for all political parties and candidates.

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2024