PTI to challenge ECP’s decision to postpone the April 30 elections in Punjab in the SC

PTI will challenge the ECP order delaying Punjab Assembly polls at SC!

On Thursday, the Pakistan Threek e Insaaf (PTI) announced that it would approach the Supreme Court against the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to put off the Punjab Assembly elections by more than five months to October 8.

While holding a press conference along with PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, Secretary General Asad Umar said that the Election Commission has flouted the constitution, and a decision was given that contradicts the clear orders of the constitution and the Supreme Court.

The Election Commission of Pakistan is also contradicting its position, he added.

“There is no other option but to hold elections on April 30,” Asad Umar said, adding that PTI’s petition would seek the court’s order for holding elections in the province as per the previous schedule.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), in a surprise move on Wednesday, announced the postponement of the upcoming elections in Punjab.

In the written order issued, the ECP said that in the exercise of the powers conferred upon it by Article 218(3) read with Section 58 and Section 8(c) of the Elections Act, 2017, the commission “hereby withdraws the election programme […] and fresh schedule will be issued in due course of time with the poll date on October 8”.

“The commission is unable to make alternate arrangements to ensure the security of the election material, polling staff, voters and the candidates,” the order reads.