Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar revealed on Saturdays informed about general election based on the 2023 digital census is not possible before January-February 2024.
A Council of Common Interest (CCI) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had “unanimously” adopted the new census results. Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the limit beyond 120 days could be eased through efficient work.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar speaks at a press conference. — Pakistani Radio Stations/Files
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar revealed on Saturday that holding a general election based on the 2023 digital census is not possible before January-February 2024.
Speaking to Geo News, Mr Tarar said a meeting of the Council of Common Interest (CCI) led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had “unanimously” adopted the new census results.
Referring to Article 51 of the Constitution, the Minister of Justice said that the general elections for the national assembly and provincial councils will be conducted according to the constituency boundaries announced by the Commission. The justice minister said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) must complete the demarcation process within 120 days. However, the ECP’s prerogative is to know when they started the process.
He argued that the results of the 2023 census show that the proportion of provinces in the general seats of the National Assembly will not change in the next elections.
The justice minister said the 120-day external limit could be reduced by working efficiently, adding that another 54 days would be needed to hold a general election.
The whole process should not exceed 150 to 165 days, he said. The Minister of Justice said that eight members of the ICC have agreed to hold further elections on the basis of the 2023 census.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, four key ministers and other members of the agency were among those attending the meeting, he added.
