ISLAMABAD: In surprising development, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) withdrew its notification regarding polls in Punjab scheduled for April 30, postponing elections for provincial assembly until October 8, 2023.

“Commission hereby withdraws election program issued vide Notification No. F. 2(3)/2023/Cord March 8, 2023 and fresh schedule will be issued in due course of time with poll date on October 8, 2023,” electoral body announced in an order issued here. Commission said that, after considering reports of different stakeholders including interior and defence ministries, it reached conclusion that “It is not possible to hold and organise elections honestly, fairly, justly in peaceful manner and in accordance with Constitution and law”. It said elections for Punjab Assembly will now be held on October 8, also withdrawing schedule it had previously released for elections on March 8.The PTI and its leaders lashed out at the ECP’s move with party chairman Imran Khan saying it violated the Constitution and termed it the “end of rule of law in Pakistan”.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 23 2023

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