ECP registers two new parties before polls

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has registered two new parties -- the Khadmeen-e-Sindh and Pakistan Kissan Labour Party -- before the general polls.

The latest inclusion has brought the number of political parties registered with the commission to 173.

”In pursuance of Sections 208 & 209 (3) of the Elections Act, 2017 read with sub-Rule (2) of Rule 158 of the Election Rules, 2017, thereof; the Election Commission of Pakistan is pleased to publish for public information, the certificate containing the information with regard to conduct of intra-party elections, the names, designations and addresses of the party office-bearers and the detail of election result along with copy of party notification declaring result of the election in respect of newly enlisted political party ‘Khadmeen-e-Sindh’  as per annexures,” the notification dated September 21 read.

The Khadmeen-e-Sindh has been registered with Abdul Fatah Samejo as its president.

A similar notification has been issued for the Pakistan Kissan Labour Party.

“In pursuance of Sections 208 & 209 (3) of the Elections Act, 2017 read with sub-Rule (2) of Rule 158 of the Election Rules, 2017, thereof; the Election Commission of Pakistan is pleased to publish for public information, the certificate containing the information with regard to conduct of intra-party elections, the names, designations and addresses of the party office-bearers and the detail of election result along with copy of party notification declaring result of the election in respect of newly enlisted political party ‘Pakistan Kissan Labour Party’ as per annexures.,” it stated.

The Pakistan Kissan Labour Party has been registered with Mubashar Majeed as its chairman on the same date.
While addressing the media at the Pakistan Mission in New York, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said that no political party would be barred from participating in the electoral process, but made it clear that in case of vandalism, they would have to face the law, apparently an indirect reference to the PTI.

To a question, he said the ECP was mandated to hold the general elections and the final date would be announced soon.

Recently, the commission made an announcement that general polls would be held in the last week of January 2024, without giving a specific date.

Kakar added that all registered political parties had the right to take part in the polls as the ECP did not ban any of them from the process.

Rubbishing the notion of victimisation, the interim prime minister said anyone who was involved in violence against the State would be dealt with under the law of the land.