ECP gives KP govt another three weeks for legislation on local bodies’ polls

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday gave the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) another three weeks to do legislation for holding local bodies’ (LBs) elections in the province, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

A four-member ECP bench, headed by Member Sindh Nisar Durrani, heard the case.

During the hearing, members of the election commission said that local bodies’ polls would have to be held at all costs, and in this regard, the commission had several constitutional means to ensure that the provincial government did not back out of its commitment.

Speaking on the occasion, Special Secretary ECP said that demarcations in seven KP districts had been delayed.

He further said that the KP government planned to hold the polls in the entire province simultaneously. “On the last date of hearing, the provincial chief secretary had sought three weeks for the legislation,” he added.

Member Balochistan said that the provincial government was using delaying tactics. 

Member KP said he was afraid the commission would have to summon the provincial chief minister if the matter was prolonged further.  

The KP chief secretary told the commission that the provincial cabinet committee was mulling amendments in the relevant laws.

Later, the ECP adjourned the case’s hearing until September 29.

Reporter: Usman Khan