Senate passes resolution seeking delay in elections moved by Senator Dilawar Khan

Senate on Friday passed a resolution seeking a delay in general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024, due to security concerns!

A resolution seeking a delay in general elections was moved by independent Senator Dilawar Khan during the upper house session on Friday with only 14 lawmakers in attendance.

Interim caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi and PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah Khan both opposed the resolution.

The Upper House of the Parliament has a total of 100 members, amid thin attendance, passed the resolution.

Senator Dilawar Khan reading out the resolution aloud, said that the Constitution upheld the right to vote for every citizen of Pakistan and the Election Commission of Pakistan was bound to conduct free and fair polls contingent upon inclusivity and ensuring the participation of all regional people.

Pointing out the law and order situation, Senator Dilawar said attacks were carried out on Mohsin Dawar and Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) members.

“The Ministry of Interior has conveyed serious threats to the lives of prominent politicians increasing the challenges faced by political parties in exercising their right to a free and fair election,” Dilawar said.

He further highlighted that there had been a spike in attacks on security forces and citizens, particularly in KP and Balochistan.

“The intelligence agencies have warned of militant attacks threats on election rallies in both provinces.”

Senator Dilawar Khan went on to add that  alerts had been issued by intelligence agencies indicating imminent threats of militant attacks on election rallies, which could have a potential impact on the safety of citizens and the democratic electoral process.

“Cognisant of the resurgence of COVID-19 in the country and the health sector’s concerns about the potential further spread reaffirm that while holding the judgment of the Supreme Court regarding the election date in the highest esteem, the Senate of Pakistan, being the defender of the rights of the federating units is obligated to ensure the constitutional guarantees and eliminate fears of the smaller provinces, especially vulnerable geographical territories.

“The Senate of Pakistan hereby resolves that the conduct in elections without addressing legitimate concerns, facilitating sufficient opportunities for election campaign and guaranteeing the safety of politicians and citizens would amount to violation of fundamental rights,” Senator Dilawar Khan added.

“The Senate says that elections should not be held without removing the hurdles, therefore, the February 8 elections should be postponed,” he said adding that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should begin the process of postponing the polls.