Various political parties reject possibility of delay in upcoming elections

Lahore: Various political parties, including the PPP, PML-N, and PTI, have collectively rejected a Senate resolution deeming it 'unconstitutional.'

The resolution advocated for a delay in the scheduled general elections on February 8, citing concerns over the 'security situation' and adverse weather conditions in hilly areas.

Proposed by independent Senator Dilawar Khan in a session with only 14 lawmakers present, the non-binding resolution faced strong opposition from key political players.

On the PML-N front, Mian Javed Latif condemned attempts to delay elections through a backdoor resolution, asserting strong opposition. He declared that the PML-N would not allow any postponement and considered the resolution an insult to the upper house.

چور دروازے سے قرارداد پیش کرکے الیکشن ملتوی کرانے کی خواہش پوری نہیں ہوگی، مسلم لیگ ن اس کی بھرپور مخالفت کرتی ہے۔ ہم ایک لمحہ بھی الیکشن میں التواء نہیں ہونے دیں گے۔ہم ہر طرح کی سازش کے سامنے کھڑے ہیں، اس طرح چور دروازے سے قرارداد پیش کرنا اور منظور ہونا ایوان بالا کی توہین ہے۔

— Mian Javed Latif (@Mian_JavedLatif) January 5, 2024

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, amidst his busy Lahore election campaign, assured that the elections would proceed as planned. Expressing the challenges in elderly care and employment, he emphasized his commitment to establishing free treatment hospitals and educational institutions. Bilawal Bhutto expressed confidence in the success of the People's Party in the upcoming elections.

Similarly, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman reaffirmed the party's stance against delaying the elections, emphasizing their commitment to free, fair, and timely polls. She pointed out the PPP's historical resilience against terrorism, citing the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

"The People's Party has consistently advocated for adherence to the scheduled elections and the continuation of election-related activities in the country at the moment." pic.twitter.com/ECgLbN0w7C

— SherryRehman’sTeam (@SRehmanOffice) January 5, 2024

"While we acknowledge the country's current challenges, we must uphold the constitutional framework and established rules. It's important to highlight that the Supreme Court has also issued an order in this regard."

— SherryRehman’sTeam (@SRehmanOffice) January 5, 2024

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan dismissed the resolution, emphasizing that the opinions of 14 Senators held no legal or binding influence in the constitutional election process. In a social media statement, Barrister Gohar urged adherence to the scheduled election date, calling on the Supreme Court to enforce directives for a fair and transparent electoral process, including the allocation of an election symbol to PTI.

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 regarding February 08, Elections. PTI…

— Barrister Gohar Khan (@BarristerGohar) January 5, 2024