Another resolution lands in Senate demanding general elections on Feb 8.

In Islamabad, a day after the Senate passed a resolution proposing a postponement of the upcoming general elections on February 8 due to security concerns, another resolution was presented on Saturday advocating for the timely conduct of the polls in accordance with constitutional requirements. The initial resolution, which was passed in a session with only 15 lawmakers present, faced opposition from PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah Khan and drew criticism from various political parties. The caretaker information minister clarified that there was no directive from the prime minister or federal cabinet supporting a delay.

In the latest development, JI Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan submitted a fresh resolution emphasizing the need for elections to be held on time. It remains uncertain whether this new resolution will be included in the agenda of the upcoming Senate session.

The draft of the resolution states that conducting elections is a constitutional obligation and highlights a Supreme Court verdict on the matter, as well as the Election Commission of Pakistan’s confirmation of the February 8 election date. It criticizes the previous resolution passed on Friday as unconstitutional and undemocratic, emphasizing that the Senate lacks the authority to oppose constitutional mandates. The resolution calls for adherence to the Supreme Court’s directives for fair elections and demands a level playing field for all political parties. Furthermore, it urges the nullification of the previous Senate resolution that sought to delay the polls.