KARACHI: The Sindh government has written a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner Sukandar Sultan Raja, asking him to postpone the NA-249 by-election in Karachi due to rising coronavirus cases, it emerged on Tuesday.
The by-poll is scheduled on April 29 for which campaigning was underway by political parties.
The provincial government, in the letter, stated that Pakistan was going through the third wave of the coronavirus and its major cities are facing new variants of the virus.
"Due to rising number of cases hospitals are under gradually going stress," it added.
"The positivity ratio has increased from 3% to 7.8% in Karachi and Hyderabad and during the prevailing situation public gatherings, rallies and corner meetings will be dangerous."
The provincial government said postponement of by-election can save precious human lives.
ISPR says top Turkish general discusses matters of mutual interest with Gen Munir, Gen Shamshad
More flooding is expected in low-lying areas during the forecast period, particularly in southern western Balochistan
Development comes amid FBR's reported plans to block 0.5 million SIMs of non-filers
Police say unidentified assailants targeted Customs officials on Sago Road in Daraban tehsil
"Such statements being made to serve condemned political motives and to spread anarchy so that no investment comes...
President addresses joint sitting to mark beginning of parliamentary year after Feb 8 elections