Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter)

The Upper House of the Parliament in Pakistan voted in favor of a resolution seeking a delay in the imminent general elections, scheduled for February 8. The resolution, presented by Senator Dilawar Khan, garnered majority support as it highlighted concerns related to cold weather, security issues, and the overall challenging environment.

Senator Dilawar Khan pointed to the necessity of a conducive electoral environment, underlining the deteriorating situations in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Notably, recent attacks on prominent figures like Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and National Democratic Movement (NDM) chairman Mohsin Dawar were cited as indicators of the security challenges.

Aimal Wali Khan of Awami National Party (ANP) and other political figures have also reportedly received threats, amplifying the security concerns. The resolution emphasized the ongoing anti-terrorism operations in KP and Balochistan, coupled with the heightened alert status of the health department due to the potential spread of the coronavirus.

The approved resolution urged the provision of a conducive environment for running election campaigns nationwide. The decision to delay the general elections aligns with the perceived challenges and risks associated with the current circumstances.

While the majority of the Senate supported the resolution, PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah and Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi voiced their opposition to the proposed delay.