In a recent development, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the Chief of Army Staff, has officially confirmed that the general elections in Pakistan are scheduled to take place on February 8, 2024. This announcement came during a meeting between General Bajwa and overseas Pakistani traders in the United States.
General Bajwa, while addressing the overseas community, not only urged Pakistani traders abroad to invest in their home country but also expressed confidence that the electoral process would proceed as planned on February 8th.
The confirmation from the Army Chief follows a series of events, including a temporary delay caused by a controversial incident during a gathering at the Pakistani embassy in Washington. A trader raised objections, leading to a decision by the Lahore High Court, which was later overturned by the Supreme Court.
Speaking about the potential delay in elections, General Bajwa reassured that even if there were any setbacks, the general elections would not extend beyond the scheduled Senate elections set for March 2024 in Pakistan.
This announcement comes after a period of uncertainty when the Lahore High Court suspended the Election Commission’s decision to enlist the services of the Bureau of Crises for the electoral process. The Supreme Court’s subsequent ruling nullified the Lahore High Court’s decision, paving the way for the Election Commission to release the election schedule and initiate the nationwide process of receiving and compiling nomination papers.
The confirmation of the election date is expected to bring clarity and stability to the political landscape, allowing both domestic and overseas stakeholders to prepare for the upcoming electoral process on February 8, 2024.
