The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced the postponement of by-elections in nine constituencies across Punjab, citing the unprecedented flooding that has severely damaged infrastructure and disrupted administrative functions across the province.
The decision was made after reviewing reports highlighting the extensive destruction caused by monsoon rains and floodwaters, which have rendered it impossible to conduct elections under fair and secure conditions.
Ireport247news reporter, Chaudhry Asad Inayat stated that, according to the ECP, the affected National Assembly constituencies include NA-66 Wazirabad, NA-96 Faisalabad-II, NA-104 Faisalabad-X, NA-129 Lahore-XIII, and NA-143 Sahiwal-III.
The Punjab Assembly constituencies include PP-73 Sargodha-III, PP-87 Mianwali-III, PP-98 Faisalabad-I, and PP-203 Sahiwal-VI.
The electoral watchdog had initially scheduled the polls for September 18 and October 5, but the devastating flood situation has forced the commission to postpone the elections until further notice.
The ECP stated that the decision to postpone the elections was made in the public interest, emphasizing that polling will resume once the situation improves to ensure safety and full voter engagement.
“The scale of damage to roads, bridges, schools, government buildings, and communication networks has made it impossible to conduct elections under fair and secure conditions,” the commission noted.
Many polling staff, who are government employees, are currently engaged in flood relief efforts and are unavailable for election duties.
The Government of Punjab formally requested the postponement, highlighting the overwhelming burden on civil administration and law enforcement due to rescue operations.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally inspected Head Muhammad Wala, identified as the next critical flood point. Rising water pressure at Multan’s Shershah Bridge has led to traffic suspension in the area.
The flood situation in Punjab has been described as an unprecedented national-level calamity, with extensive damage to private and public property and displacement of voters in several districts.
The ECP emphasized its constitutional obligation to hold elections under secure and fair conditions. Conducting elections amid such disruptions would “disenfranchise voters” and undermine the security and integrity of the polls.
The commission’s decision aligns with its commitment to ensuring the electoral process is conducted in a transparent and unbiased manner.
As the situation stands, at least 46 people have lost their lives, and over 3.7 million have been affected by the monsoon rains and floodwaters. Nearly 1.8 million residents have been evacuated, with approximately 3,900 villages submerged.
The flood levels have reached alarming highs, with the Chenab River recording 530,000 cusecs at Qadirabad and 500,000 cusecs at Chiniot.
The Ravi River stood at 98,000 cusecs at Siphon, while the Sutlej River reached 319,295 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala and 169,032 cusecs at Panjnad.
In light of these circumstances, the ECP’s decision to postpone the by-elections is a prudent step, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the citizens and ensuring that the electoral process is not compromised.
The revised schedule for the Punjab by-elections will be announced later, once the situation improves and conditions return to normal.