LAHORE: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Saturday that the scheduled general elections on February 8 will be held as planned, dismissing any potential delays even if resolutions are passed by the United Nations (UN) or the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Bilawal made these remarks during a press conference in Lahore in response to a resolution passed by the Senate seeking a postponement of the polls.
Addressing reporters, Bilawal said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has already issued a schedule for the elections on February 8, and they will be held accordingly.
He stated, “No matter if [they] get a resolution passed from the Senate, the UN, or the OIC, elections will be staged on February 8.”
A resolution passed by the Senate on Friday demanded the postponement of the elections, citing extreme weather and security concerns. However, a subsequent resolution was introduced in the Senate, emphasizing the constitutional obligation to hold elections on the specified date.
A petition has also been filed in the Supreme Court seeking contempt proceedings against senators involved in the resolution for a poll delay.
Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Secretary of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), also said that her party wanted the elections on time.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari recalled Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa’s statement that the election date is “set in stone,” expressing confidence that the polls will be conducted on time. He reiterated his trust in the CJP’s remark and emphasized the importance of upholding the democratic process.
Addressing concerns about a level playing field, Bilawal mentioned the PPP’s history of facing challenges during elections but focused on the party’s 10-point agenda for the upcoming polls. He stated that the agenda serves as the party’s manifesto, underscoring his commitment to contest the elections to implement the outlined priorities.
