ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Privatisation Minister Fawad Hassan Fawad affirmed that the General Elections 2024 will take place on February 8 as announced, and the current government will fully support the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in organizing the polls.
He mentioned that the previous federal government of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) had given authority to the caretaker government by amending the Election Act.
Fawad Hassan Fawad also stated that the Supreme Court (SC) has clarified that the general elections will be held on February 8. He noted, “According to the constitutional procedure, the caretaker government will remain in place until the formation of the new elected government.”
He emphasized, “The caretaker government will not exceed its constitutional period even by a day.”
These statements were made in response to a resolution presented in the Senate of Pakistan seeking a three-month delay in the general election of 2024 due to security challenges.
The resolution expressed concern about the increasing attacks on candidates wishing to participate in the general election and requested a delay of three months.
The Senate resolution urged the Election Commission of Pakistan and the Supreme Court to ensure a peaceful election.
It is worth noting that earlier this month, the Upper House of Parliament adopted a resolution advocating for a delay in the polls due to extreme weather in hilly areas and a deteriorating security situation.
Fawad Hassan reiterated that the privatization process is proceeding in compliance with the law and regulations. He added that the legal formalities related to the privatization of Pakistan International Airline (PIA) have been completed.
He also stated that the privatization process of PIA is transparent, as representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are also involved in the commission.