Another Senate resolution seeks brakes on ballots

Upper house urges govt to provide all parties with level playing field, address security concerns

ISLAMABAD:

As the political arena braces for the upcoming general elections, a new resolution advocating a pause in the electoral process landed in the Senate on Friday. Senator Hidayatullah, representing the Independent Parliamentary Group, submitted the resolution in the Senate Secretariat, proposing a three-month postponement of the polls.

The resolution voices apprehension about the persistent escalation in the targeting of election candidates, emphasizing the constitutional duty to conduct general elections nationwide. It underscores deep concern over recent incidents of terrorism and violence across the country, citing armed attacks in North Waziristan, Bajaur, Swabi, and Turbat.

These incidents have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity across the country, with candidates receiving threatening pamphlets at their residences and campaign offices, which has emerged as a disturbing dimension to the current security challenges, the resolution said.

According to the text, the resolution added that the Upper House recognises that holding the general elections is a constitutional obligation, and the Constitution equally emphasises free and fair elections and ensuring the safety and unhindered participation of all stakeholders.

The resolution further stated that where the Constitution emphasises ensuring the conduct of free elections, it ensures the fundamental right of the people to the security of life and property.

Senator Hidayatullah said that Article (9) of the Constitution highlights the importance of this fundamental right, which the state has to provide in all circumstances and added that the protection of life and property of the people is the state's primary responsibility.

Hence, the Upper House urges the Election Commission of Pakistan and the Supreme Court of Pakistan to postpone the elections, he added.

During the adjournment period, the upper house calls on the government to proactively create conditions that ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, while addressing security concerns, the resolution further stated.

On January 5, a sparsely attended session in the upper house of parliament stirred discussions when it unexpectedly endorsed a resolution, albeit non-binding, urging the postponement of general elections due to concerns about security and adverse weather conditions.

The resolution, introduced by independent Senator Dilawar Khan and primarily supported by Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) senators, drew criticism for its unanticipated discussion and apparent backing from certain other parties. The absence of lawmakers from mainstream political parties raised suspicions.

During the voice vote, PPP Senator Bahramand Tangi not only remained silent but also delivered a speech emphasising the importance of peace before elections. Later, his party issued a show-cause notice for deviating from its policy.

The passage of the resolution faced condemnation from politicians and lawyers who labelled it a "conspiracy against democracy" and insisted on holding timely elections. In response, another resolution was presented in the Senate by Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, emphasising adherence to "constitutional requirements" for the timely conduct of polls.

Furthermore, senators from PTI, PPP, and Jamaat-e-Islami requisitioned a session to discuss the timely conduct of free and fair elections on Thursday. PTI Senator Syed Ali Zafar submitted the requisition notice, signed by lawmakers from the three political parties, advocating for holding general elections on February 8.