Punjab interim govt opposes immediate elections citing security reasons

Islamabad: The interim government of Punjab expressed its opposition to conducting immediate elections in the province, citing the prevailing law and order situation, particularly in light of the violent events that occurred on May 9.

In a response submitted to the Supreme Court through the provincial chief secretary, the Punjab interim government objected to the immediate holding of elections. The response emphasized that the election date falls under the jurisdiction of other state institutions and not the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court had directed the Election Commission of Pakistan to schedule Punjab polls for May 14, and the caretaker government in Punjab was instructed to provide assistance to the commission.

Referring to Article 218 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the Punjab interim governent said that the responsibility for conducting transparent elections was attributed to the Election Commission of Pakistan. The response also highlighted that the authority to alter the election schedule also rests with the ECP.

The Punjab interim government's reply further addressed the changing law and order situation in Punjab following the May 9 unrest, which witnessed attacks on military installations, public properties, and incidents of vandalism and arson across the province. The reply stated that during the violent protests, 97 police vehicles were set on fire, and 162 police personnel sustained injuries.

Considering the demand for 554,000 security personnel during the elections, the Punjab chief secretary, in the response submitted to the Supreme Court, noted that only 77,000 personnel would be available for security if the polls were to be held.