ECP decides not to issue schedule for LG polls in Sindh, Punjab

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided not to issue schedule for local bodies election in Sindh and Punjab due to flash floods, and move an application in the Supreme Court of Pakistan that had ordered administrations of both the provinces to hold local bodies election till September.

The decision was taken by the electoral body after Punjab and Sindh sought more time to hold the election due to floods.

According to the Election Commission both the provinces were ready to hold the elections on September 2.

Punjab’s local government secretary had sent two letters to the Election Commission, citing reasons for delay in the polls.

He also requested the electoral body to reschedule the training program for Returning and Assistant Returning Officers as the provincial administration was focused on relief work amid flash floods.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan had ordered Punjab and Sindh to hold the local government election till September.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah confirmed that the Punjab government had requested the ECP, which had in turn filed an application with the Supreme Court, seeking a one-month delay in the election.

Speaking to media, Sanaullah said the provincial government was ready to hold the election for which it had made all the preparations. “If Supreme Court allows, the election would be held in October,” said he.

He said the Election Commission had filed an application with the Supreme Court of Pakistan over the local bodies election, adding that the top court’s decisions must be implemented.

Commenting on Imran Khan’s reaction over judicial commission report, the minister said the PTI chairman was violating the agreement reached between his party and the federal government.

He said Sheikh Rashid and Chaudhry brothers (Shujaat Hussain and Pervez Elahi) had played a role of tout during PTI sit-in last year.