Citing security Punjab Governor refuses to give election date

Punjab Governor Baligh-ur-Rehman citing economic and security issues in the country has refused to give a date to hold elections across the province, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday.

In reply to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Baligh-ur-Rehman asked the commission to consult stakeholders for a date for holding elections in Punjab.

In the letter, the Punjab governor noted that the Punjab Assembly (PA) was dissolved according to the Constitution and Law.

Referring to holding polls across the province, he said, the country was currently witnessing economic and security issues.

“The Punjab Assembly stood dissolved in terms of Clause (1) of Article 112 of the Constitution by efflux of time stipulated therein, and not by the order of the Governor of Punjab. Therefore, Clause 3 of Article 105 of the Constitution cannot be implemented in the current situation.

“Instead the election process is to now take place in accordance with Article 224 read with Clause (3) of Article 218 of the Constitution and the applicable provisions of the Elections Act, 2017.”

The Punjab Governor further added that ECP should consult stakeholders for a date to hold elections across the province.

In separate letters to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) former Parliamentary leader Usman Buzdar and PA Speaker Sibtain Khan, the governor assured that his office would fulfill the constitutional requirements and responsibilities.

“The Election Commission will play its role on the issue of polls date”, Punjab Governor said, mentioning that he had written a letter to the electoral body in this regard.

Reporter: Usman Khan