LAHORE: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has postponed by-elections in Punjab because of the ongoing flood emergency across the province, the News reported.
Polling was scheduled for nine constituencies, five National Assembly and four Punjab Assembly seats, but will now be held at a later date.
The by-elections were originally planned after three PTI lawmakers, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Bhachar, and MNA Ahmed Chattha, lost their seats following convictions in May 9 riot cases, and after the death of MNA Mian Muhammad Azhar.
The ECP said it had to delay elections because flood-hit areas are facing major problems. Roads and bridges have been washed away, schools and buildings that serve as polling stations are damaged, and relief operations are already keeping local authorities busy.
According to the notification, elections in NA-96 and NA-104 (Faisalabad), NA-129 (Lahore), and NA-143 (Sahiwal) have been postponed, along with Punjab Assembly polls in PP-73 (Sargodha), PP-87 (Mianwali), PP-98 (Faisalabad), and PP-203 (Sahiwal).
Officials also pointed out that many Returning Officers (ROs) could not complete staff appointments because they were unable to reach flood-affected areas.
The ECP said the decision was taken to ensure transparency and fairness once conditions improve. A new election schedule will be announced later.
The floods have already disrupted many civic activities in Punjab. The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) exams have also been postponed, while relief and rescue efforts continue in affected districts.
[embedpost slug="sic-pti-demand-resignation-of-chief-election-commissioner/"]
