Karachi, In a significant buildup to Pakistan’s forthcoming general elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has reported that a total of 28,626 candidates have filed their nomination papers. This surge in political activities comes as the scrutiny of these nominations is currently underway, set to continue until Saturday.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the distribution of candidates across the country is notable. Punjab leads with 13,823 candidates, followed by Sindh with 6,498, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 5,278, Balochistan with 2,669, and the federal capital Islamabad with 358 candidates. This diverse representation reflects the heightened political engagement across the nation’s national and provincial assemblies’ constituencies.

The election process includes a timeline for appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers, which can be submitted until January 3rd. Decisions on these appeals will be finalized by January 10th. The ECP will display the list of candidates on January 11th, with an option for candidates to withdraw by January 12th. The allotment of electoral symbols is scheduled for January 13th, setting the stage for the elections on February 8th.

In a related development, the ECP has extended the application period for foreign observers interested in monitoring the general elections. The new deadline is from December 31 to January 20, providing additional time for international participants to engage in the election process.

This comprehensive and meticulous approach by the ECP highlights its commitment to ensuring a transparent and fair election process. The significant number of candidates filing for the elections indicates a robust democratic spirit and the importance of these elections in shaping Pakistan’s political landscape.