Names of 14 senators disclosed, who passed election postponement resolution
PTI approaches IHC for postponement of election of Senate chairman, deputy
Islamabad, February 8, 2024 – The Senate’s recent approval of a resolution to postpone the general elections saw the presence of 14 members in the House during the crucial vote. Independent senator Dilawar Khan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa spearheaded the resolution, which gained support from members of various parties.
The resolution was backed by BAP members and FATA representative Hidayatullah. Independent senator Dilawar Khan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa presented the resolution to postpone the election.. Sana Jamali, Hidayatullah, Kamil Ali Agha, PTI Senator Gurdeep Singh, People’s Party member Behramand Tangi and Muslim League (N) member Afnanullah were also present.
During the proceedings, Senators Gurdeep Singh and Behramand Tangi remained silent, while Senator Afnanullah opposed the resolution.
The resolution was presented twice, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Murtaza Solangi absent during the first presentation. Upon his arrival, Solangi opposed the resolution, but it was eventually approved during the second presentation.
Senator Hidayatullah, emphasizing the importance of preserving lives, stated, “Suicide is forbidden; there is a difference between suicide and bravery.” He urged against bloodshed during the elections and highlighted the challenging conditions in Quetta, where temperatures were extremely low.
The Senate’s decision to postpone the elections triggered reactions from various members. Senator Prince Umar voiced support for the resolution, citing negative temperatures in Quetta and expressing confidence in the Election Commission’s decision-making.
Amidst the deliberations, Senator Shahadat Awan and Palusha Khan of the People’s Party joined the session. Senator Manzoor Khel highlighted issues in Dera Bugti, stating, “The people of Dera Bugti are not getting gas. They are ready for elections, but the people are not getting gas.”
In an unusual move, Chairman Senate allowed a supplementary agenda for the controversial resolution, and the House was adjourned promptly after its passage.
Only 14 out of 97 members participated in the vote, raising questions about the transparency and consensus behind the decision. Jamaat-e-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmed has prepared a draft to reject the resolution, although its presentation in the House remains uncertain due to the abrupt adjournment.
