Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal stated that holding elections based on the latest census results would exceed the 90-day deadline. This comment comes as the coalition government wrestles with differing views among its partners, particularly MQM-P, who insist on not holding elections on outdated census data. Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz Sharif unexpectedly announced that the latest census would be the basis for the upcoming elections, leaving many puzzled over this sudden shift.
Election Commission’s Role and the Appointment of a Caretaker Prime Minister
Minister Iqbal defended his position by explaining that a new delimitation process by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) based on the latest census would take a few months. Therefore, to stay within the 90-day limit, elections must be held based on the old census. He clarified that the ECP, not the government, has the authority to set the election dates. As the government’s term concludes, a caretaker prime minister will be appointed until the election of new rulers. Talks about the appointment of the caretaker prime minister are set to conclude today, with each party proposing their respective candidates.
