Another resolution seeking delay in the general elections has been submitted to the Senate citing frigid weather conditions and security challenges across the country, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.
The resolution was submitted by independent Senator Hilalur Rehman.
According to the text of the resolution, the negative effects of severe cold weather and snow are becoming visible.
The ongoing election campaigns in various areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province could not be held smoothly due to cold weather. The frigid weather will hamper citizens from casting their votes in an unfavorable environment, said the resolution.
The resolution called upon the Election Commission of Pakistan to select a suitable date instead of February 8, 2024.
The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province are feeling deprived in this regard and especially the candidates belonging to now merged areas of FATA are being affected by security issues, the resolution concluded.
This is the third resolution landed in the Upper House seeking delay in the general elections.
On January 12, a resolution seeking a three-month delay in polls due to security challenges was submitted to Senate.
The resolution was submitted by Senator Hadayat Ullah of the independent group of the parliament.
The resolution expressed concern over the rising incidents of attacks on the election candidates, calling upon the Election Commission of Pakistan and the Supreme Court to sympathetically ponder over the peaceful conduct of the elections.
On January 5, Senate passed a resolution seeking delay in polls due on February8 citing harsh weather and security concerns.
The resolution was moved by an independent senator, Dilawar Khan, during a session with only 14 lawmakers in attendance. The Senate has a strength of 100 members.
Mentioning cold weather in some parts of Pakistan, which could create difficulties in ensuring participation of residents during the electioneering process, as well as serious threats to prominent politicians, and attacks on security forces and citizens, the non-binding resolution said the "elections may be postponed to facilitate the effective participation of people from all areas of Pakistan and belonging to all shades."
A day after Senate adopted the resolution, a new resolution was submitted on Jan 6 which emphasized the need to adhere to “constitutional requirements” and ensure the timely conduct of the polls.
PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah Khan opposed the non-binding resolution, which was moved by independent Senator Dilawar Khan.
Later, the passage of the resolution was roundly criticised by various political parties, while the caretaker information minister had insisted that there was no directive from the prime minister or the federal cabinet for delay.
Jamaat-i-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan also submitted another resolution to the Senate secretariat, urging that polls should be conducted on time.
Reporter Usman Khan