As the February 8 general election approaches, a new resolution has been submitted to the Senate Secretariat, urging a three-month delay in the polls.
The move follows a controversial non-binding resolution adopted on January 5, initially proposed by independent Senator Dilawar Khan, and supported primarily by Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) senators.
The resolution, widely criticized as a “conspiracy against democracy,” gained some tacit support from other parties, raising questions about the absence of lawmakers from mainstream political parties during the vote. PPP Senator Bahramand Tangi, who remained silent during the voice vote, faced a show-cause notice from his party for deviating from its policy.
In response to the criticism, Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan submitted another resolution emphasizing adherence to constitutional requirements and the timely conduct of the polls. Senators from PTI, PPP, and Jamaat-i-Islami requisitioned a session advocating for holding general elections on February 8.
Today, independent Senator Hidayatullah submitted a resolution highlighting an increase in attacks targeting candidates. The resolution cited a surge in terrorist and armed attacks, particularly in Waziristan, Bajaur, Swabi, and Turbat, leading to injuries and the death of a candidate.
Expressing concern over the atmosphere of fear and insecurity in the country, the resolution urged the Election Commission of Pakistan and the Supreme Court to delay general elections for three months due to current security challenges. It emphasized the constitutional duty to hold free and fair elections while ensuring the protection of people’s lives and property, as outlined in Article 9 of the Constitution.
The resolution also called on the government to focus on creating an environment that guarantees a level-playing field for all political parties and candidates during the proposed three-month delay.
