JI's Senator Mushtaq moves fresh resolution calling for timely elections

• Resolution submitted in Senate Secretariat by JI lawmaker. 
• Says holding elections responsibility of ECP, caretaker govt.
• Calls for level playing field for all parties for elections. 

ISLAMABAD: A day after the resolution seeking to delay polls was approved by the Senate, a fresh resolution has been moved in the upper house seeking elections to be held on February 8 as per schedule.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s (JI) Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, in the resolution submitted to the Senate Secretariat today, pointed out that holding elections is a constitutional requirement.

The resolution stated that holding timely elections is the responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the caretaker government.

“Supreme Court verdict on elections has been issued and February 8 has been set as the date for the elections,” states the resolution. It added that the recently passed resolution calling for a delay in the polls is "undemocratic and unconstitutional".

“Free and fair elections should be held on February 8 and all parties should be provided with a level playing field,” states the resolution. It added that the recently passed resolution be considered illegal.

A day earlier the Senate approved a non-binding resolution seeking a delay in the general elections, set to be staged on February 8, drawing strong criticism from major political parties.

Senator Dilawar Khan, an independent lawmaker, moved the resolution in the upper house of the parliament, which got the approval during the presence of 14 senators — who were the only lawmakers present in the house of 100.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Gurdeep Singh and Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) Behramand Tangi abstained from voting. Following the vote, the Senate chairman adjourned the session indefinitely.

Both parties have issued notices to their lawmakers seeking a response as to why they didn't oppose the resolution.