Another citizen petitions polls postponement

A resident of Kohlu highlights challenges posed by security situation, possible snowfall

ISLAMABAD:

Another individual has filed a petition with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), urging a postponement of the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8.

The petitioner, Shakir Khan, a resident of Kohlu district in Balochistan, highlights the challenges posed by severe winter conditions and security issues in the area.

Khan’s petition emphasizes the peace and security situation in Kohlu, which is under the supervision of the Frontier Corps (FC), now stationed at the borders.

It highlights an incident during the local government elections in February 2023, where terrorists entered the FC building and recorded attack videos. The petitioner claims that the local Balochistan Levies, the tribal police, lack the capacity to restrict the movements of these terrorists.

Furthermore, the plea points out the expected severe snowfall in various districts and divisions across Pakistan in February. It contends that this weather condition will make it extremely challenging for voters to actively participate in the scheduled general elections.

Citing Article 218(3) of the Constitution, the petitioner underscores the ECP's duty to ensure fair, just, and lawful elections. Requesting a postponement in the interest of justice and fairness, the petitioner urges the ECP to reschedule the general elections to a more suitable time.

This, the petitioner suggests, would enable the residents of the coldest areas to have an equal opportunity to cast their votes and elect their representatives. This marks the third petition seeking a postponement of the polls that has been filed with the ECP.