Senator Mushtaq challenges Senate’s resolution on poll delay

ISLAMABAD: The resolution passed by the Senate to postpone the general elections scheduled for February 8 has sparked a backlash from some political parties, who termed it unconstitutional and undemocratic.

Senator Mushtaq Ahmed of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) moved a counter-resolution against the resolution that sought the postponement of the elections, saying that it was done secretly and without the consent of the majority of the senators.

He said that holding the elections was a constitutional requirement and the responsibility of the caretaker government and the Election Commission.

He added that the Supreme Court had already issued orders regarding the elections and any delay due to law and order or weather conditions was unacceptable.

He warned that postponing the elections would have dangerous consequences for the country’s politics, democracy and integrity.

Barrister Gohar Khan rejects Senate resolution

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Barrister Gohar Khan also rejected the Senate resolution, saying that it had no legal value and was based on the personal opinion of 14 senators. He said that the general elections should be held on time and the Supreme Court should ensure the implementation of its orders. He said that PTI strongly supported and demanded the holding of the elections on February 8 and urged the Supreme Court to ensure a level playing field for all parties, including giving the electoral symbol to PTI.

Sherry Rehman demands timely elections

Sherry Rehman, the leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, has called for transparent and timely elections in the country, rejecting the resolution passed in the Senate to postpone the polls due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rehman said that her party did not support or sign the resolution, which was passed with the presence of only 14 senators. She said that the resolution had no legal status and that her party was ready for the elections.

She also reminded that the People’s Party had been the biggest target of terrorism in the past, but it did not stop the democratic process. She cited the example of the 2008 elections, which were held after the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Senator Behrmand Tangi, who belongs to the People’s Party, also clarified that he did not support the resolution to delay the elections, she said. She said that she was in favour of holding the elections as per the schedule.