QUETTA: MNA Mehmood Khan Achakzai, a presidential candidate, on Friday requested the Election Commission of Pakistan to postpone or delay the President slot election till completion of electoral college accordingly in the best interest of justice, fair play and equity.

In a letter addressed to Chief Election Commissioner today, Achakzai states the petitioner is a candidate for the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan nominated by Sunni Itehad Council in upcoming presidential election, and the election schedule has been announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan, according to which the election of President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan will be held on March 9, 2024.

He furthers says the Electoral College prescribed by law and the Constitution for the election of the President is still incomplete, as some reserved seats in National Assembly and all Provincial Assemblies, are still vacant, and no one has been elected on those reserved seats so far.

Achakzai says without nominations and proper election on these seats, if the presidential election is conducted as per the schedule, it would be denial of their votes, which otherwise is against the fundamental rights, law and the constitution.

He said: “The completion of this Electoral College under the Constitution and law is not possible unless these members would be elected accordingly to fill in vacant seats. That without completion of electoral college ie election on the reserved seats, issuance of election schedule or holding of election to the office of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan would be illegal, unlawful and against the spirit of Constitution of Islamic republic of Pakistan.”

He states in the letter that as matter of fact a petition has also been filled by the Sunni Itehad Council before Peshawar High Court on account of reserved seats issue, and an injunctive order was passed by the court, and petitioner is hopeful for a clear verdict in favor of Sunni Itehad Council, however, the completion of electoral college for the presidential election in near future would not be insight and this infirmity would make the whole election illegal and unlawful.

Achakzai said that under the above circumstances, it is submitted that the proposed election to the office of the President is clearly impossible, therefore, the same may kindly be postponed or delayed till completion of electoral college accordingly in the best interest of justice, fair play and equity.