ECP’s decision saved the country from a major constitutional crisis: Marriyum Aurangzeb

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By Webdesk


Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb at a press conference.  — PID/File
Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb at a press conference. — PID/File
  • Minister says that ECP made the decision after consultation with all stakeholders.
  • Says polls would have gone forever controversial had they been conducted in two counties.
  • Says the constitution cannot function based on the will of one person.

Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said this on Wednesday Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had saved the country from a major constitutional crisis by postponing polls in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In a statement, the minister said the decision was made in the interest of Pakistan and would ensure political stability in the country.

The election authority announced the postponement of the Punjab elections to October 8 a day earlier. Elections would be held in the province on 30th of Aprilafter President Arif Alvi – in consultation with the ECP – announced the date in light of the Supreme Court split ruling last month.

While citing its responsibility for ensuring fair elections in the country, the election organizing authority mentioned its various efforts to ensure its responsibilities in its notice.

“The Election Commission made the decision after consulting all stakeholders. The ECP made the decision after considering the economic, political and security situation,” she said.

Aurangzeb said that, under Article 218 of the constitution, the commission had to ensure transparent, impartial and fair elections.

On the other hand, she added that Article 224 requires that there be transitional governments in the federal capital and federal units at the time of the elections; however, when the National Assembly polls take place, governments in two provinces would be established.

The minister claimed that the polls would have become forever controversial had they been conducted in the two provinces on the aforementioned date.

“Had the elections been held on April 30, the assemblies in Punjab and KP would have dissolved six months earlier,” the minister said.

Aurangzeb said the census was ongoing in Pakistan, adding that it was not possible to conduct the polls before the census in Punjab and KP, and later in other provinces.

The information minister, who condemned Pakistan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan, said the constitution cannot bend to the will of one person.

“He can’t violate the constitution and dissolve the assembly whenever he wants – that won’t work,” said the information minister.

She denounced Khan for inciting his workers to attack the police, attack the ECP and vandalize the courts.

“There were concerns that forced elections were being imposed on two provinces to satisfy one man’s ego,” said Aurangzeb.



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