The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) granted the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government 15 days to complete the process related to local government elections and adjourned further hearing of the case until July 28.
A four-member ECP bench, headed by Sindh Member Nisar Durrani, heard the case concerning the long-delayed local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
During the proceedings, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Secretary Local Government and officials of the Bureau of Statistics appeared before the commission.
The Local Government secretary informed the bench that maps of 15 districts and other required material had been provided by the Bureau of Statistics.
The commission questioned why the required material had not been supplied earlier, expressing concern over the delay.
The Special Secretary of the Election Commission requested the commission to direct the Bureau of Statistics to ensure that maps and other required data are provided immediately whenever requested by either the provincial government or the ECP in future.
ECP objects to abbreviation ‘KP’
During the hearing, Election Commission member Justice (retd) Ikramullah objected to the repeated use of the abbreviation “KP” for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Expressing his displeasure, he remarked, “Is Punjab called ‘P’, Balochistan ‘B’ and Sindh ‘S’? Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should not be referred to as ‘KP’ but by its full name.”
Government seeks more time
Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah told the commission that the provincial government had completed all necessary arrangements for the elections, but amendments to the Local Government Act were currently under consideration by the provincial cabinet.
When asked by an ECP member whether the government was making changes to the law, the chief secretary confirmed that amendments were indeed being introduced and requested additional time to complete the legislative process.
Accepting the request, the Election Commission granted the provincial government 15 days and adjourned further proceedings in the case until July 28.
