The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) on Thursday (Feb 29) demanded that the election commission should hold&nbsp;early elections for the 11 Senate seats that are currently vacant. In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC),&nbsp;PPP Central Election Cell in-charge Senator Taj Haider said that the&nbsp;upper house of the bicameral parliament is incomplete because its 11 seats were lying vacant.&nbsp;

"Section 127 of the Election Act deals with by-elections on vacant seats of the Senate while Section 107 of the same Act laying down the procedure of all elections to the Senate does not allow more than one day for completing each step of the election schedule," Senator Haider said.

The letter was shared by the PPP in a post on X. The party also named the senators who vacated the seats.

<h2>Newly elected assembly meets amid protests by PTI</h2>

On Thursday, Pakistan's&nbsp;newly elected lower house of parliament saw lawmakers take oath&nbsp;amid protests by former jailed prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-tehreek-e-insaf-party-asks-imf-to-consider-nations-instability-in-further-bailout-talks-694896">Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party asks IMF to consider nation’s instability in further bailout talks</a>

In the February 8 general elections, candidates backed by Khan gained the most seats but the&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the PPP&nbsp;have agreed to an alliance to form a coalition government.

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سینیٹر تاج حیدر انچارج سنٹرل الیکشن سیل پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی نے 
سینیٹ کی گیارہ خالی نشستوں پر جلد از جلد انتخابات کرانے کیلئےچیف الیکشن کمشنر کو خط لکھ دیا 
اسلام آباد ۔۔۔سینیٹر تاج حیدر انچارج سنٹرل الیکشن سیل پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی نے سینیٹ کی گیارہ خالی نشستوں پر جلد از جلد… <a href="https://t.co/3BW88r9r0c">pic.twitter.com/3BW88r9r0c</a>
— Pakistan Peoples Party - PPP (@PPP_Org) <a href="https://twitter.com/PPP_Org/status/1763144697172631581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"Who will save&nbsp;Pakistan? Imran Khan, Imran Khan!" his supporters chanted as legislators, including the prime minister in waiting Shehbaz Sharif, signed the membership register of the National Assembly.

Not all members of the 336-member house took oath, with the apportioning of 70 reserved seats for women and minorities still pending adjudication by the election commission.&nbsp;

<h2>Schedule issued for presidential polls</h2>

Meanwhile, the election commission issued the notice and schedule for the presidential elections that will happen on March 9.&nbsp;"In pursuance of the provisions contained in paragraphs 1 and 3 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 read with clauses (3) and (4) of Article 41 of the Constitution, Public Notification for election to the office of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is hereby issued and in relation thereto the following programme for receipt of nomination papers, scrutiny of nomination papers, withdrawal of candidature, publication of a list of validly nominated candidates, retirement and polling day," a notice from the poll body said.

Candidates for the country's&nbsp;top constitutional office can submit nomination papers with the presiding officers in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta by March 2 before 12 pm local time, Geo News reported citing the commission.

The notification also said that&nbsp;the returning officers will scrutinise the nomination papers filed by presidential candidates on March 4, adding that the candidature can be withdrawn the next day.

After this, the poll body will release&nbsp;the list of validly nominated candidates on the same day.

&nbsp;

The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) on Thursday (Feb 29) demanded that the election commission should hold early elections for the 11 Senate seats that are currently vacant.

The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) on Thursday (Feb 29) demanded that the election commission should hold early elections for the 11 Senate seats that are currently vacant. In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), PPP Central Election Cell in-charge Senator Taj Haider said that the upper house of the bicameral parliament is incomplete because its 11 seats were lying vacant. "Section 127 of the Election Act deals with by-elections on vacant seats of the Senate while Section 107 of the same Act laying down the procedure of all elections to the Senate does not allow more than one day for completing each step of the election schedule," Senator Haider said. The letter was shared by the PPP in a post on X. The party also named the senators who vacated the seats. Newly elected assembly meets amid protests by PTI On Thursday, Pakistan's newly elected lower house of parliament saw lawmakers take oath amid protests by former jailed prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Also read | Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party asks IMF to consider nation’s instability in further bailout talks In the February 8 general elections, candidates backed by Khan gained the most seats but the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the PPP have agreed to an alliance to form a coalition government. سینیٹر تاج حیدر انچارج سنٹرل الیکشن سیل پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی نے سینیٹ کی گیارہ خالی نشستوں پر جلد از جلد انتخابات کرانے کیلئےچیف الیکشن کمشنر کو خط لکھ دیا اسلام آباد ۔۔۔سینیٹر تاج حیدر انچارج سنٹرل الیکشن سیل پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی نے سینیٹ کی گیارہ خالی نشستوں پر جلد از جلد… pic.twitter.com/3BW88r9r0c — Pakistan Peoples Party - PPP (@PPP_Org) February 29, 2024 × "Who will save Pakistan? Imran Khan, Imran Khan!" his supporters chanted as legislators, including the prime minister in waiting Shehbaz Sharif, signed the membership register of the National Assembly. Not all members of the 336-member house took oath, with the apportioning of 70 reserved seats for women and minorities still pending adjudication by the election commission. Schedule issued for presidential polls Meanwhile, the election commission issued the notice and schedule for the presidential elections that will happen on March 9. "In pursuance of the provisions contained in paragraphs 1 and 3 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 read with clauses (3) and (4) of Article 41 of the Constitution, Public Notification for election to the office of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is hereby issued and in relation thereto the following programme for receipt of nomination papers, scrutiny of nomination papers, withdrawal of candidature, publication of a list of validly nominated candidates, retirement and polling day," a notice from the poll body said. Candidates for the country's top constitutional office can submit nomination papers with the presiding officers in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta by March 2 before 12 pm local time, Geo News reported citing the commission. The notification also said that the returning officers will scrutinise the nomination papers filed by presidential candidates on March 4, adding that the candidature can be withdrawn the next day. After this, the poll body will release the list of validly nominated candidates on the same day.

Pakistan politics: PPP asks election commission to hold early polls for 11 Senate seats

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is looking into allegations of poll rigging and has formed a high-level committee to probe the matter. The investigation was triggered by allegations of poll rigging made by former Rawalpindi commissioner. ARY News reported on Wednesday (Feb 21) citing sources that the committee has already recorded statements of District Returning Officers (DRO) and Returning Officers (ROs) of 13 National Assembly constituencies and 26 assembly constituencies of Rawalpindi division.

The findings, including the statements of DROs and ROs will be compiled and submitted to Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, has demanded immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja. The party alleges that Raja failed to conduct free and fair elections.

Watch | PML-N &amp; PPP to form coalition government, Sharif set to become PM

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PTI had also&nbsp;demanded investigation into former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha's allegations. Chatha resigned from his post on February 17 saying that Pakistan's chief election commissioner and chief justice were involved in poll rigging. Both, the CEC and the Chief Justice of Pakistan have denied the allegations.

PTI is saying that an impartial inquiry into the claims would only be possible if CEC steps down from his position.&nbsp;

Following his allegations against the chief election commissioner, the former Rawalpindi commissioner was transferred and Rawalpindi Development Authority DG Saif Anwar Jappa was assigned the additional charge.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-pmln-and-ppp-reach-coalition-agreement-after-much-tussle-692139">Pakistan Elections: PML-N and PPP reach coalition agreement after much tussle</a>

Recently concluded general elections in Pakistan continue to generate controversy. In months before the elections, Pakistani authorities cracked down on PTI leaders and cadre. Imran Khan himself is in jail currently and faces a barrage of legal cases still pending against him. PTI was even removed from the election ballot forcing the party candidates to contest as independents.

In spite of huge odds stacked against the party, the candidates affiliated to it registered good performance in the elections. But former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif claimed victory for his Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is looking into allegations of poll rigging and has formed a high-level committee to probe the matter. The investigation was triggered by allegations of poll rigging made by former Rawalpindi commissioner.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is looking into allegations of poll rigging and has formed a high-level committee to probe the matter. The investigation was triggered by allegations of poll rigging made by former Rawalpindi commissioner. ARY News reported on Wednesday (Feb 21) citing sources that the committee has already recorded statements of District Returning Officers (DRO) and Returning Officers (ROs) of 13 National Assembly constituencies and 26 assembly constituencies of Rawalpindi division. The findings, including the statements of DROs and ROs will be compiled and submitted to Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, has demanded immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja. The party alleges that Raja failed to conduct free and fair elections. Watch | PML-N & PPP to form coalition government, Sharif set to become PM × PTI had also demanded investigation into former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha's allegations. Chatha resigned from his post on February 17 saying that Pakistan's chief election commissioner and chief justice were involved in poll rigging. Both, the CEC and the Chief Justice of Pakistan have denied the allegations. PTI is saying that an impartial inquiry into the claims would only be possible if CEC steps down from his position. Following his allegations against the chief election commissioner, the former Rawalpindi commissioner was transferred and Rawalpindi Development Authority DG Saif Anwar Jappa was assigned the additional charge. Also Read | Pakistan Elections: PML-N and PPP reach coalition agreement after much tussle Recently concluded general elections in Pakistan continue to generate controversy. In months before the elections, Pakistani authorities cracked down on PTI leaders and cadre. Imran Khan himself is in jail currently and faces a barrage of legal cases still pending against him. PTI was even removed from the election ballot forcing the party candidates to contest as independents. In spite of huge odds stacked against the party, the candidates affiliated to it registered good performance in the elections. But former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif claimed victory for his Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan election body sets up committee to probe poll rigging allegations

Pakistan's election commission has warned that the general elections may have to be delayed if the process of changing electoral symbols does not stop, asserting that it could not keep making alterations with the February 8 polls just around the corner.

Election Commission of Pakistan warns of poll delay due to symbol changes

As to the report published on Sunday , the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has forbidden the act of registering new voters and removing, editing, and correcting votes from electoral lists. Sources claim that the ECP has also stopped returning officers and other staff members from taking time off.

Pakistan's election commission bans registration, deletion, change of votes in electoral rolls

Pakistan President Arif Alvi has proposed November 6 as the date of national elections in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, on Wednesday (September 13), as per Dawn report.

President Alvi, in the letter, stated that he had dissolved the National Assembly on August 9 on the Prime Minister’s advice.

He also mentioned Article 48(5) of the Constitution, which he said “empowers and mandates” the president ‘to appoint a date not later than 90 days from the date of the dissolution, for the holding of a general election to the Assembly’.

Hence, “in terms of Article 48(5), the general election to the National Assembly should be held by the 89th day of the date of dissolution of the National Assembly, i.e. Monday, 6th day of November 2023”, the letter stated.

The president recalled in the letter that “in an endeavour to fulfil the constitutional obligations”, the chief election commissioner was invited for a meeting to plan the modalities of enforcing the constitutional objective and directive.

But in his reply, the CEC “took a contrary view that as per the scheme of the Constitution and framework of electoral laws, it was the domain of the election commission, and following the publication of last preceding census on August 7, duly notified delimitation of constituencies was in progress, a mandatory requirement stipulated by Article 51(5) of the Constitution and section 17 of the Elections Act, 2017”, Dawn quoted the letter.

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“Further, there is a consensus that to strengthen the federation and to promote unity and harmony amongst provinces and to avoid incurring unnecessary expenses, general elections to the National Assembly and the provincial assemblies must be held on the same day,” it further stated.

He then conceded that it was the ECP’s responsibility to follow all the constitutional and legal steps defined under ‘Articles 51, 218, 219, 220 and the Elections Act, 2017’ for organising and conducting free and fair elections.

President Alvi suggested that the ECP, in “consultation with provincial governments and political parties under the relevant provisions of the Constitution and in view that some of these matters are already subjudice, may seek guidance from the superior judiciary for announcement of a single date for general election to the national and provincial assemblies”, Dawn reported.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Pakistan President Arif Alvi has proposed November 6 as the date of national elections in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, on Wednesday (September 13), as per Dawn report.

Pakistan President Arif Alvi has proposed November 6 as the date of national elections in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, on Wednesday (September 13), as per Dawn report. President Alvi, in the letter, stated that he had dissolved the National Assembly on August 9 on the Prime Minister’s advice. He also mentioned Article 48(5) of the Constitution, which he said “empowers and mandates” the president ‘to appoint a date not later than 90 days from the date of the dissolution, for the holding of a general election to the Assembly’. Hence, “in terms of Article 48(5), the general election to the National Assembly should be held by the 89th day of the date of dissolution of the National Assembly, i.e. Monday, 6th day of November 2023”, the letter stated. The president recalled in the letter that “in an endeavour to fulfil the constitutional obligations”, the chief election commissioner was invited for a meeting to plan the modalities of enforcing the constitutional objective and directive. But in his reply, the CEC “took a contrary view that as per the scheme of the Constitution and framework of electoral laws, it was the domain of the election commission, and following the publication of last preceding census on August 7, duly notified delimitation of constituencies was in progress, a mandatory requirement stipulated by Article 51(5) of the Constitution and section 17 of the Elections Act, 2017”, Dawn quoted the letter. Also read: China becomes first country to send envoy to Afghanistan after Taliban takeover “Further, there is a consensus that to strengthen the federation and to promote unity and harmony amongst provinces and to avoid incurring unnecessary expenses, general elections to the National Assembly and the provincial assemblies must be held on the same day,” it further stated. He then conceded that it was the ECP’s responsibility to follow all the constitutional and legal steps defined under ‘Articles 51, 218, 219, 220 and the Elections Act, 2017’ for organising and conducting free and fair elections. President Alvi suggested that the ECP, in “consultation with provincial governments and political parties under the relevant provisions of the Constitution and in view that some of these matters are already subjudice, may seek guidance from the superior judiciary for announcement of a single date for general election to the national and provincial assemblies”, Dawn reported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan President Arif Alvi proposes November 6 as election date to chief election commissioner

The general elections in Pakistan stand to be delayed after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday (August 17) decided to conduct&nbsp;fresh delimitation of constituencies.&nbsp;

With elections previously scheduled to be held in November and the caretaker government already in place, the start of the exercise means it is virtually impossible that the elections will be held within 90 days. The Pakistani constitution stipulates that the ECP must conduct general elections within 90 days of the dissolution of parliament.&nbsp;

The ECP is expected to release the final publication of delimitation on December 14, later this year, according to Pakistan news agency&nbsp;Dawn.&nbsp;

Earlier this month,&nbsp;ECP had&nbsp;explicitly expressed its inability to hold the polls based on the latest census results.&nbsp;

“The general elections 2023 for the national and provincial assemblies will be conducted as per the limits of the constituencies published by the Commission on August 5 last year,” a senior ECP official was quoted as saying by Dawn.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-unlikely-on-time-pakistan-pm-sharif-hints-621647">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan elections unlikely to take place on time, PM Shehbaz Sharif hints</a>

The official added that a constitutional amendment would be required following the official publication of census results, which was technically not possible after the acceptance of the resignations of the lawmakers.&nbsp;

“The ECP will have no other option but to hold upcoming general elections on the basis of the existing delimitation,” he added.

ECP statement came after the&nbsp;Council of Common Interests (CCI) approved the results of the 2023 digital census, making the fresh delimitation exercise almost compulsory.&nbsp;

<h2>Cabinet takes oath&nbsp;</h2>

The decision by the ECP to go ahead with the exercise comes on the same day as the caretaker cabinet of Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar was administered the oath by President Arif Alvi.&nbsp;Jalil Abbas Jilani was appointed the foreign affairs minister while Sarfraz Bugti was entrusted with the internal affairs ministry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

IMF approves $3 billion loan for Pakistan

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Previously, former PM Shehbaz Sharif had hinted that the elections could be delayed.&nbsp;In an interview, Sharif said elections should be held under the new census.

“We have to hold the elections on the basis of the new census...When a census has been conducted, the [polls] should be held on its basis unless there is an obstacle that cannot be overcome. But I don’t see [any such hurdle],” Sharif said.

When quizzed if holding elections, based on the new census will delay the elections or not, Shehbaz dropped the ball in ECP's court saying it was their job.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The general elections in Pakistan stand to be delayed after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday (August 17) decided to conduct fresh delimitation of constituencies.

The general elections in Pakistan stand to be delayed after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday (August 17) decided to conduct fresh delimitation of constituencies. With elections previously scheduled to be held in November and the caretaker government already in place, the start of the exercise means it is virtually impossible that the elections will be held within 90 days. The Pakistani constitution stipulates that the ECP must conduct general elections within 90 days of the dissolution of parliament. The ECP is expected to release the final publication of delimitation on December 14, later this year, according to Pakistan news agency Dawn. Earlier this month, ECP had explicitly expressed its inability to hold the polls based on the latest census results. “The general elections 2023 for the national and provincial assemblies will be conducted as per the limits of the constituencies published by the Commission on August 5 last year,” a senior ECP official was quoted as saying by Dawn. Also read | Pakistan elections unlikely to take place on time, PM Shehbaz Sharif hints The official added that a constitutional amendment would be required following the official publication of census results, which was technically not possible after the acceptance of the resignations of the lawmakers. “The ECP will have no other option but to hold upcoming general elections on the basis of the existing delimitation,” he added. ECP statement came after the Council of Common Interests (CCI) approved the results of the 2023 digital census, making the fresh delimitation exercise almost compulsory. Cabinet takes oath The decision by the ECP to go ahead with the exercise comes on the same day as the caretaker cabinet of Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar was administered the oath by President Arif Alvi. Jalil Abbas Jilani was appointed the foreign affairs minister while Sarfraz Bugti was entrusted with the internal affairs ministry. IMF approves $3 billion loan for Pakistan Previously, former PM Shehbaz Sharif had hinted that the elections could be delayed. In an interview, Sharif said elections should be held under the new census. “We have to hold the elections on the basis of the new census...When a census has been conducted, the [polls] should be held on its basis unless there is an obstacle that cannot be overcome. But I don’t see [any such hurdle],” Sharif said. When quizzed if holding elections, based on the new census will delay the elections or not, Shehbaz dropped the ball in ECP's court saying it was their job. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan: Polls stand delayed as Election Commission to conduct delimitation exercise

Pakistan's Election Commission has officially started the process to remove former Prime Minister Imran Khan from the post of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief.

A notice has been issued to him regarding the case after he was disqualified from holding the position in the aftermath of the Toshakhana case, the Dawn reported on Tuesday.

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Imran was found guilty of buying gifts at a discounted price from the Toshakhana (state depository) and selling them for higher prices. According to PTI, the gifts included an expensive wristwatch, and he was also found guilty of "false statements and incorrect declaration."

While PTI officials have claimed that there is no legal basis for removing Imran from his position, the Commission has cited a 2018 judgement by a three-member Supreme Court bench. It said that a person disqualified “under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution could not head a political party”.

The Constitution dictates that all gifts of value received by office holders need to be deposited in the Toshakhana for valuation. All gifts need to be reported and the full valuation will have to disclosed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-new-criminal-code-makes-sex-outside-marriage-a-criminal-offence-punishable-with-one-year-in-jail-540445">Indonesia's new criminal code makes sex outside marriage a criminal offence</a>

This was the same rule that resulted in Nawaz Sharif losing his position as the head of the PML-N after he was disqualified by the Supreme Court. Imran was one of the main figures who supported the action, and the anti-corruption issue helped him in becoming the Pakistan PM in 2018.

However, in the aftermath of various corruption charges, the Imran Khan lost the government after a defeat in the no-confidence vote.

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Pakistan's Election Commission has officially started the process to remove former Prime Minister Imran Khan from the post of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief. A notice has been issued to him regarding the case after he was disqualified from holding the position in the aftermath of the Toshakhana case, the Dawn reported on Tuesday.

Pakistan's Election Commission has officially started the process to remove former Prime Minister Imran Khan from the post of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief. A notice has been issued to him regarding the case after he was disqualified from holding the position in the aftermath of the Toshakhana case, the Dawn reported on Tuesday. Also read | Ukraine to implement emergency power shutdowns after Russian missile strikes Imran was found guilty of buying gifts at a discounted price from the Toshakhana (state depository) and selling them for higher prices. According to PTI, the gifts included an expensive wristwatch, and he was also found guilty of "false statements and incorrect declaration." While PTI officials have claimed that there is no legal basis for removing Imran from his position, the Commission has cited a 2018 judgement by a three-member Supreme Court bench. It said that a person disqualified “under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution could not head a political party”. The Constitution dictates that all gifts of value received by office holders need to be deposited in the Toshakhana for valuation. All gifts need to be reported and the full valuation will have to disclosed. Also read | Indonesia's new criminal code makes sex outside marriage a criminal offence This was the same rule that resulted in Nawaz Sharif losing his position as the head of the PML-N after he was disqualified by the Supreme Court. Imran was one of the main figures who supported the action, and the anti-corruption issue helped him in becoming the Pakistan PM in 2018. However, in the aftermath of various corruption charges, the Imran Khan lost the government after a defeat in the no-confidence vote.

Pakistan Election Commission moves to remove Imran Khan as PTI chief

Pakistan's top election body on Tuesday refused to take action on the allegations of vote buying in the recent Senate elections just on the basis of video clips unless those involved in offering and getting bribes were named.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said this on a plea challenging the election of Opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) candidate and former premier Yusuf Raza Gilani to the Senate. The top electoral body was expected to hear the petition on March 11 but it took up the case after a request by the government.

A four-member commission of ECP headed by Altaf Ibrahim Qureshi heard the petition. The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of Prime Minister Imran Khan was represented in the hearing by counsel Ali Zafar.

The PTI has challenged the victory of former premier Gilani as Senator on the basis of alleged fraud, urging the ECP not to issue notification of his success. 
Gilani became a Senator after defeating PTI candidate Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on March 3, a big blow to Prime Minister Khan who had personally campaigned for his Cabinet colleague.

The government's allegations are based on a video of Gilani's son Ali Haider, who is shown talking with some PTI members and telling them how a vote can be "spoiled".

The PTI, in its petition, said that since seven votes were "spoiled" in the Senate elections and its candidate lost by just five votes, it showed that the PTI lawmakers in the video were bribed.

Refusing to take action on allegations of vote buying in the polls just on the basis of video clips, the ECP urged the government's lawyer to make all persons involved in the video scandal a party to the case and said that if the charges of giving and receiving bribes are proven, then action should be taken against all the culprits.

Government's counsel Zafar was reluctant to name those who allegedly received bribes but after initial refusal he agreed to do so after consultation with the government. The ECP asked him to file a fresh petition.

In another development, the Islamabad High Court was set to hear on Wednesday a petition by PTI member Ali Nawaz in which he challenged the election of Gilani to the Senate.

Chief Justice Athar Minallah will hear the petition seeking to declare his victory unconstitutional and illegal as he had won through rigging and bribery.

The new challenge to Gilani came in the wake of his nomination as the Opposition's joint candidate for the Senate chairman election scheduled on March 12.

PDM, an alliance of 11 parties, also nominated Maulana Ghafoor Haidri of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) for the post of deputy chairman of Senate.

In an effort to sway votes in a tight competition, the government offered to support Haidri if his party supported Sadiq Sanjrani, who is supported by the government for the Senate chairman. However, Haidri rejected the offer.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Khan, addressing the Cabinet meeting, said that technology such as electronic voting machines (EVM) would be used in future to avoid voting fraud.

"We can't have the kind of elections which have happened in the past? We need to use EVM technology for transparent elections and I want regular updates on it," he said.

After Shaikh's defeat, Prime Minister Khan had last week lashed out at the election commission, accusing it of discrediting democracy, damaging the morality of the nation and failing to stop corruption in the closely-contested Senate elections.

Pakistan's top election body on Tuesday refused to take action on the allegations of vote buying in the recent Senate elections just on the basis of video clips unless those involved in offering and getting bribes were named.

Pakistan's top election body on Tuesday refused to take action on the allegations of vote buying in the recent Senate elections just on the basis of video clips unless those involved in offering and getting bribes were named. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said this on a plea challenging the election of Opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) candidate and former premier Yusuf Raza Gilani to the Senate. The top electoral body was expected to hear the petition on March 11 but it took up the case after a request by the government. A four-member commission of ECP headed by Altaf Ibrahim Qureshi heard the petition. The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of Prime Minister Imran Khan was represented in the hearing by counsel Ali Zafar. The PTI has challenged the victory of former premier Gilani as Senator on the basis of alleged fraud, urging the ECP not to issue notification of his success. Gilani became a Senator after defeating PTI candidate Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on March 3, a big blow to Prime Minister Khan who had personally campaigned for his Cabinet colleague. The government's allegations are based on a video of Gilani's son Ali Haider, who is shown talking with some PTI members and telling them how a vote can be "spoiled". The PTI, in its petition, said that since seven votes were "spoiled" in the Senate elections and its candidate lost by just five votes, it showed that the PTI lawmakers in the video were bribed. Refusing to take action on allegations of vote buying in the polls just on the basis of video clips, the ECP urged the government's lawyer to make all persons involved in the video scandal a party to the case and said that if the charges of giving and receiving bribes are proven, then action should be taken against all the culprits. Government's counsel Zafar was reluctant to name those who allegedly received bribes but after initial refusal he agreed to do so after consultation with the government. The ECP asked him to file a fresh petition. In another development, the Islamabad High Court was set to hear on Wednesday a petition by PTI member Ali Nawaz in which he challenged the election of Gilani to the Senate. Chief Justice Athar Minallah will hear the petition seeking to declare his victory unconstitutional and illegal as he had won through rigging and bribery. The new challenge to Gilani came in the wake of his nomination as the Opposition's joint candidate for the Senate chairman election scheduled on March 12. PDM, an alliance of 11 parties, also nominated Maulana Ghafoor Haidri of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) for the post of deputy chairman of Senate. In an effort to sway votes in a tight competition, the government offered to support Haidri if his party supported Sadiq Sanjrani, who is supported by the government for the Senate chairman. However, Haidri rejected the offer. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Khan, addressing the Cabinet meeting, said that technology such as electronic voting machines (EVM) would be used in future to avoid voting fraud. "We can't have the kind of elections which have happened in the past? We need to use EVM technology for transparent elections and I want regular updates on it," he said. After Shaikh's defeat, Prime Minister Khan had last week lashed out at the election commission, accusing it of discrediting democracy, damaging the morality of the nation and failing to stop corruption in the closely-contested Senate elections.

Pak election commission refuses to take action on vote buying allegations in Senate polls

Pakistan's election commission has convened a crucial meeting on Friday after Prime Minister Imran Khan accused it of discrediting democracy and damaging the morality of the nation, according to media reports.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a televised address to the country on Thursday, lashed out at the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) which he said failed to stop corruption in Wednesday's closely-contested Senate elections.

"You (ECP) discredited democracy you damaged the morality of the nation by doing nothing to stop vote-buying," he alleged.

"You allowed corruption to occur at the top, and this happened right before you, and you knew it would happen. I kept saying that markets have opened and there is an auction going on. And when the Supreme Court gave you a chance, what reason was there to not bar code a mere 1,500 ballots" Khan said.

Khan's criticism of the ECP came after Opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate and former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani defeated ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Wednesday, in a major blow to the Prime Minister who personally campaigned for his Cabinet colleague.

According to a report in the Geo TV, ECP convened the meeting to review the statements of Prime Minister Khan, who had levelled serious allegations on its role during the Senate polls. All members of the ECP will attend the meeting.

Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja summoned the meeting after the ECP members asked him for the same to discuss the highly objectionable comments made by Prime Minister Khan, the Dawn newspaper reported.

"The government should amend the Constitution, if it wants open voting for Senate elections, but should not expect from the Comm?ission to do the job of legislature," a senior official of the ECP was quoted as saying in the report.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the Senate elections would be held through a secret ballot, amid a raging controversy among the government and Opposition parties about allowing an open vote to avoid corruption.

According to the official, the ECP is bound to follow the law which provides for a secret ballot and any hasty attempt to make the votes traceable would have been a violation of the Constitution, the report said.

The official said that the prime minister instead of taking note of the uncalled for remarks made by members of his Cabinet chose to join the blame game, it said.

Under mounting pressure from the Opposition to resign, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that he will seek a vote of confidence on Saturday, in a bid to restore the legitimacy of his government after an embarrassing defeat of the finance minister in the hotly-contested Senate elections.

He also accused the grand Opposition alliance for "making a mockery of democracy" and said that he will never let the corrupt politicians off the hook.

Pakistan's election commission has convened a crucial meeting on Friday after Prime Minister Imran Khan accused it of discrediting democracy and damaging the morality of the nation, according to media reports.

Pakistan's election commission has convened a crucial meeting on Friday after Prime Minister Imran Khan accused it of discrediting democracy and damaging the morality of the nation, according to media reports. Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a televised address to the country on Thursday, lashed out at the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) which he said failed to stop corruption in Wednesday's closely-contested Senate elections. "You (ECP) discredited democracy you damaged the morality of the nation by doing nothing to stop vote-buying," he alleged. "You allowed corruption to occur at the top, and this happened right before you, and you knew it would happen. I kept saying that markets have opened and there is an auction going on. And when the Supreme Court gave you a chance, what reason was there to not bar code a mere 1,500 ballots" Khan said. Khan's criticism of the ECP came after Opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate and former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani defeated ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Wednesday, in a major blow to the Prime Minister who personally campaigned for his Cabinet colleague. According to a report in the Geo TV, ECP convened the meeting to review the statements of Prime Minister Khan, who had levelled serious allegations on its role during the Senate polls. All members of the ECP will attend the meeting. Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja summoned the meeting after the ECP members asked him for the same to discuss the highly objectionable comments made by Prime Minister Khan, the Dawn newspaper reported. "The government should amend the Constitution, if it wants open voting for Senate elections, but should not expect from the Comm?ission to do the job of legislature," a senior official of the ECP was quoted as saying in the report. Pakistan's Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the Senate elections would be held through a secret ballot, amid a raging controversy among the government and Opposition parties about allowing an open vote to avoid corruption. According to the official, the ECP is bound to follow the law which provides for a secret ballot and any hasty attempt to make the votes traceable would have been a violation of the Constitution, the report said. The official said that the prime minister instead of taking note of the uncalled for remarks made by members of his Cabinet chose to join the blame game, it said. Under mounting pressure from the Opposition to resign, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that he will seek a vote of confidence on Saturday, in a bid to restore the legitimacy of his government after an embarrassing defeat of the finance minister in the hotly-contested Senate elections. He also accused the grand Opposition alliance for "making a mockery of democracy" and said that he will never let the corrupt politicians off the hook.

Pak election commission convenes meet to discuss PM Imran Khan's allegations against it