The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) rejected Punjab government’s application seeking postponement of by-elections on National Assembly constituency, NA-149 Multan II, vacated by senior politician Makhdoom Javed Hashmi on Monday.
The application came three days after seven people were killed and 40 others wounded in a stampede in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s huge rally in the city.
The Punjab government, according to sources, sought postponement of elections on the grounds that law-and-order situation is not favorable for the polls scheduled to be held on Oct 16.
However, the ECP raised objections over the plea, and rejected it saying that all arrangements have been finalized for the election.
Three of the four ECP members have signed the decision, sources said, adding that the ECP will formally announce its verdict following a meeting under Chief Election Commissioner today at 2pm.
