ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) responded to requests from several political parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), by extending the deadline for filing nomination papers by an additional two days.
In an announcement made on Friday, the ECP disclosed that candidates can now submit their nomination papers until December 24. Moreover, political parties have the opportunity to present a priority list for reserved seats by the same date.
The ECP specified that scrutiny for nomination papers is scheduled to take place from December 25 to December 30.
Initially, the ECP had designated December 20 to 22 as the period for receiving nomination papers.
Following this, political entities such as the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P), PML-N, and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) approached the Election Commission, requesting an extension in the filing timeline for nomination papers.
Senator Ishaq Dar of the PML-N penned a letter to the chief election commissioner (CEC), advocating for a two-day extension until December 24, emphasizing the need for adequate time for candidates.
Dar highlighted the narrow three-day window for filing nominations versus the allocated seven-day period for scrutinizing the papers.
He underscored the comprehensive nature of the nomination filing process, which involves multiple details and document submission, including obtaining no objection certificates (NOCs) from various public sector departments.
Dar stressed that such procedures are time-intensive and any oversight could lead to rejection of nomination papers.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
