By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: A fresh resolution was submitted in the Senate on Friday, calling for a three-month delay in the general elections scheduled for February 8, citing security concerns and a surge in violence against candidates.
The resolution, moved by independent Senator Hidayatullah, claimed that the upper house of Parliament had taken note of an increase in terrorist and armed attacks in the country, specifically in Waziristan, Bajaur, Swabi, and Turbat, that had resulted in the death of a candidate and the injury of an elderly politician.
“This has created an atmosphere of fear and lack of security in the country,” the resolution said. It added that threatening pamphlets were being sent to candidates’ homes and election officers.
The resolution said the upper house of Parliament recognises that holding general elections is a constitutional duty.
“Where the Constitution emphasises that elections must be free and fair, it also ensures the fundamental right of protecting people’s lives and property,” it said.
The resolution urged the Election Commission of Pakistan and the Supreme Court to postpone the polls for three months, during which the government should focus on creating an environment that guarantees a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
The resolution also highlighted Article 9 of the Constitution, which states that it is the state’s primary responsibility to protect people’s lives and property.
The move comes less than a month before the general elections. It follows a controversial resolution adopted by a thinly attended session of the Senate on January 5, seeking the postponement of the polls over security and bad weather concerns.
The earlier resolution, which was not initially scheduled for discussion, was introduced by independent Senator Dilawar Khan and received support primarily from Balochistan Awami Party senators.
However, it also appeared to have the tacit support of some other parties, and the absence of lawmakers from mainstream political parties raised several questions.
PPP Senator Bahramand Tangi not only kept silent at the time of the voice vote but also delivered a speech stressing the need for peace before polls. He was later issued a show-cause notice by his party for deviating from its policy.
The resolution’s passage was subsequently condemned by politicians and lawyers, who termed it a “conspiracy against democracy” and asserted that polls be held on time.
Subsequently, Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan submitted another resolution in the Senate, emphasising the need to adhere to “constitutional requirements” and ensure the timely conduct of the polls.
Further, senators belonging to the PTI, PPP, and Jamaat-i-Islami on Thursday requisitioned a session to discuss the timely conduct of free and fair polls. PTI Senator Syed Ali Zafar submitted the requisition notice, signed by lawmakers from the three political parties, advocating for holding general elections on February 8.
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