ECP orders votes recount in NA-249.

ISLAMABAD -- The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) by accepting the PML-N leader Miftah Ismail's plea has ordered recounting of votes in NA-249 Karachi by-elections.

The ECP has decided to hold the recounting of votes on May 6. For the purpose the Commission has also directed the leaders of the political parties who had contested the elections to reach the Returning Officer's office on Thursday at 9 pm.

PML-N leader and runner-up in the NA-249 by-elections Miftah Ismail had submitted a plea to the ECP for recount as he has lost the election with few hundred votes.

Meanwhile, almost all the political parties have hailed the ECP decision of recount. Opposition leader and President PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif while reacting to the ECP decision tweeted, 'Happy to learn that PML-N's demand for a vote recount in NA-249 has been accepted.'

He further maintained that the narrow difference in votes of the top contestants has necessitated this in the interest of the transparency. Credibility of vote is a sure foundation of democracy, he added.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto also welcomed the ECP decision and said many seats from 2018 fallen within 5% threshold and candidates have not been given this chance. Once ECP order is out PPP will consider going to ECP for recounts in all such seats.

While speaking to the media outside the ECP, Miftah Ismail levelled...