Governor asks ECP to holds elections for KP Assembly on October 8.

In connection with the proposal of date for elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Governor Haji Ghulam Ali penned a letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday.

In a letter, written to the chief election commissioner (CEC), Mr Ali gave the date of October 8 for holding the elections in the province. He also highlighted the recent incidents of terrorism, including the cross-border firing that took place in South Waziristan.

Mr Ali also wrote that terrorists also opened fire at Bara police station and police station was also attacked in DI Khan, adding three soldiers were martyred in the attacks on March 21.

There was an attack on the convoy of Brigadier General Mustafa Kamal Barki in South Waziristan. During the attack, Brigadier General Mustafa Kamal Barki was martyred, and seven others were injured, he added.

Earlier today, in connection with the holding of the elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, President Dr Arif Alvi asked on Friday Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to direct the concerned authorities to assist the ECP.

In a letter, President Alvi mentioned the holding of elections in the two provinces as per the timeframe, in compliance with the Supreme Court's order dated March 1, 2023 was essential to avoid further complications, including contempt of court.

The president said he was writing the letter as events had taken place in the recent past involving glaring violations of fundamental and human rights that were highlighted by the print, electronic and social media and needed to be brought to the prime minister's notice to ensure remedial measures and preventive action.

The president said the elections of provincial assemblies, in case of their dissolution under Article 105 or Article 112, were required to be held within 90 days under Article 224 (2) of the Constitution.

He added that the Supreme Court of Pakistan vide its order dated 1st March, 2023 had directed the ECP to propose date(s) to the president for holding the poll within 90 days or on a date that deviates to barest minimum from aforesaid deadline.

He said the governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was also directed by the Supreme Court to appoint a date for holding the general election for the provincial assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as per above timeframe.

Subsequently, the ECP had proposed holding of general elections between April 30 and May 7, 2023 and general elections for the Provincial Assembly of Punjab were announced to be held on April 30, 2023 and...