Islamabad, 13 Oct 2023: Murtaza Solangi, the Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, has articulated a prospective timeframe for the upcoming general elections in Pakistan, citing the end of January as the likely period, according to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MOIB). His statements during a program on the News and Current Affairs Channel of Radio Pakistan, ‘Lahore Insight,’ underscored adherence to the Election Act of 2017 and illuminated that the final constituency list will be solidified by the 30th of the next month, with the official election date announcement to be made around the same time.

According to the guidelines stated in the Election Act 2017, all participating political entities are mandated to be given a minimum window of 54 days – approximately two months – for election campaigning, thereby pointing towards the end of January as a plausible date for the general elections. Minister Solangi highlighted that the commencement of substantive election activities is invariably triggered following the official announcement of the election schedule.

While conversing on the subject of Radio Pakistan, the Information Minister acknowledged its necessity for innovation, incorporation of modern technology, and professional autonomy to flourish and be sustainable. The caretaker government is proactively navigating the decision, initially enacted by the previous parliament, to reintroduce the license fee for Radio Pakistan. Furthermore, Solangi conveyed optimism towards the imminent announcement of favourable news pertinent to addressing the financial challenges confronting the organization.

In reflection to a posed question regarding policy-making, Murtaza Solangi emphasized the constitutional authority of elected governments in Pakistan to formulate policies, underlining that the elected representatives hold the constitutional responsibility to govern the nation.