Punjab interim govt opposes immediate elections

ISLAMABAD: Punjab interim government on Monday opposed immediate elections in the province owing to the current law and order situation, especially after May 9 violence, ARY News reported.

On April 5, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission of Pakistan to conduct Punjab polls on May 14. The SC further directed the caretaker government in Punjab to assist the commission.

In a response submitted to the Supreme Court through the provincial chief secretary, the Punjab interim government has opposed the immediate holding of the polls.

Supreme Court cannot announce the election date as this is the right of other state institutions, the response read.

As per Article 2018 of the Constitution of Pakistan, it is the responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan to hold transparent elections. “Right, to change the election schedule also lies with the ECP.”

Read more: ECP pens letter to president on Punjab election delay

The Punjab interim govt in its reply further said that the law and order situation of Punjab has changed after May 9 mayhem, when the military installations and other public properties were attacked, vandalism and arson in the province.

As many as 97 vehicles of police were torched and 162 cops were injured during the violent protests, the reply added.

Citing the demand of 5,54000 personnel for security during the polls, the Punjab chief secretary in the response submitted to the Supreme Court stated that there will be only 77,000 personnel available for security if polls were held.