ECP announces public holiday on February 8

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday declared February 8 a public holiday in the country to enable voters to exercise their right to vote conveniently in the General Election 2024.

"In exercise of powers conferred under Article 218 of the Constitution read with Section (4) and 8(c) of the Elections Act, 2017 (Act No. XXXIII of 2017), and all other powers enabling it on that behalf, The Election Commission of Pakistan is pleased to declare public holiday on 8th February 2024 in the country in order to enable the voters to exercise their right of franchise freely and conveniently," a notification issued by the electoral body read.

The polls are set to take place on Thursday across the country, however, ECP has convened a crucial meeting today to discuss the worsening state of law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan.

According to sources, the electoral body is mulling delaying elections in the two provinces after attacks on political rallies, offices, and candidates for the last few weeks.

The meeting, scheduled at 3pm in Islamabad, will be attended by the minister and secretary of interior, chief secretaries, inspectors general of KP and Balochistan, and officials from intelligence agencies.

A day earlier, Punjab caretaker chief minister Mohsin Naqvi announced four-day election holidays in educational institutions in the province, including schools, colleges and universities.

“Important Update: In view of the upcoming general elections on 8th February, Provincial Cabinet has approved that all public and private sector schools, colleges, and universities in Punjab will be closed from Feb 6th to Feb 9th. 9:30 am timing for schools will only be observed till 3rd February. Regular school timings will be observed later on,” wrote CM Naqvi on his X account.