The political parties on Friday rejected an ‘unconstitutional’ resolution adopted by Senate, seeking a delay in February 8 general elections citing ‘security situation’, VOS News reported.
The Upper House of Parliament adopted a resolution, which was moved by independent Senator Dilawar Khan during a session with only 15 lawmakers in attendance. It sought polls delay in the light of extreme weather in hilly areas and the deteriorating security situation.
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However, the political parties – PPP, PML-N and PTI – strongly rejected the non-binding resolution and said further deferring the electoral process would be “unconstitutional”.
Addressing a press conference, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman pointed out that the party has a clear stance that the elections should not be delayed. “We didn’t support the resolution,” she said, adding that PPP was ready for the polls.
Referring to the security concerns, Rehman said that PPP has been the biggest target of terrorism, pointing out the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. “Even the elections were held after Bibi’s [Benazir Bhutto] assassination,” she added.
“We always wanted free, fair and timely polls,” she said, adding that there should be no more uncertainty in the country. “A resolution passed by the Senate is not a law”, she added.
Meanwhile, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that a resolution of 14 Senators based on their personal opinions, has no “legal or binding force in the constitutional process of holding general elections”.
“Elections must take place on time and Supreme Court to enforce its orders and observations,” the PTI chief said in a statement issued on X (formerly Twitter).
