Instead of conducting new digital population census, the Election Commission of Pakistan has ordered to start work on the delimitations of constituencies on the basis of 2017 census, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

A meeting under the chair of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja was held in Islamabad on Friday. It was decided in the meeting that delimitation of the constituencies would be held on the basis of 2017 census after every four months. The commission has decided to write letters to all provincial governments asking them to provide maps and required data.

The meeting which was attended by ECP members and senior officers decided to start work on the delimitation of constituencies on emergency basis, besides speeding up work on the review of voters’ lists.

The CEC asked the commission secretary and special secretary to present a complete action plan for holding elections by April 13. They were also directed to oversee all affairs and try to ensure completion of task on time.

Taking stern notice of the Punjab government which did not issue the No Objection Certificate for the required funds, the ECP reminded that both federal and provincial governments were bound to provide complete administrative and financial support to the commission. 

The commission summoned the federal finance secretary and Punjab chief secretary in this connection. 

By-poll in Hangu on April 17 

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has announced the schedule of the by-election in NA-33 Hangu, saying the polls will be held on April 17. 

The seat fell vacant following the demise of PTI member. 

Reporter Usman Khan