Islamabad, Murtaza Solangi, the Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting, asserted that the decision to postpone or proceed with elections is constitutionally vested in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, during a media interaction outside the Parliament House in Islamabad, Solangi clarified that the government is not entitled to intervene in the affairs of constitutional bodies like the ECP. His comments came in the context of a recent resolution passed by the Senate, which sought the postponement of the elections scheduled for February 8th.

Solangi mentioned that he did not have the opportunity to present his views on the Senate’s resolution. He emphasized that neither the Prime Minister nor the cabinet had issued any directives regarding the delay of the polls. The Minister underscored that the ECP holds the exclusive authority to set or modify election dates under Article 218(3) of the Constitution.

Addressing the concerns raised in the Senate resolution, Solangi acknowledged the validity of the issues mentioned but noted that such challenges have been a part of Pakistan’s parliamentary and electoral history. He added that ensuring security, considering weather conditions, and addressing other relevant matters in the context of elections are responsibilities of the government.

The statement by the Caretaker Minister reinforces the ECP’s autonomous role in the management and scheduling of elections in Pakistan.