Islamabad: Pakistan general elections will be held without any delay in October this year, defence minister Khawaja Asif has said, dispelling speculation about a possible postponement in polls. Political experts firmly believe that only free, fair and timely general elections can bring back desperately-needed political stability in Pakistan, which is also facing a severe economic crisis. The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party led by ousted PM Imran Khan had expressed apprehensions that the ruling coalition may delay the general elections.
“The assemblies will complete their five-year term in August and polls will take place within the next 60 days. Elections will be held on time,” Asif said. When asked what he meant by “on time”, he replied: “In October. Elections will take place in October without any delay,” Express Tribune quoted him as saying.
The government has repeatedly opposed holding snap polls or holding polls for the national and provincial legislatures separately, citing a lack of security, funds and fresh census results.