Daily Times

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced on Thursday that he will contest the upcoming general elections from NA-265 Pishin.

He said the decision was taken on the insistence of the people of Balochistan and JUI workers. “The people of Balochistan have expressed gratitude towards the candidacy decision.”

Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, speaking on behalf of the central media cell of JUI-F, anticipates a significant victory for the party chief and urged party workers to accelerate their preparations for the upcoming elections. The country formally embarked on an extensive election journey on December 20, witnessing over 1,000 aspiring candidates obtaining nomination papers from returning officers (ROs) nationwide.

Concurrently, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued the Election Code of Conduct, setting the stage for political fervour that will culminate on February 8 next year when millions will cast their ballots.

These nomination papers, intended for both the National and provincial assemblies, encompassing general seats as well as those reserved for minorities and women, were sought by candidates from various political parties and independent contenders.

However, the initial day saw only a handful of papers submitted, notably in Karachi and Jhelum district. The nomination paper filing process is open until Friday, though the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam is advocating for a three-day extension.

The filing of the nomination papers would continue till December 22. The last date for filing appeals against the decisions of the returning officers regarding rejecting or accepting the paper would continue until January 3, 2024, which would be decided by January 10.

According to the election plan, the ECP said that a polling station should be established for at least 1200 voters, with a maximum of 4 polling booths at a distance of at least one kilometre. It urged the DROs to keep in mind the convenience of the voters while operating the polling stations.