ECP gives time to political parties for submission of annual returns

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday accepted requests from various political parties to submit their annual returns for the year 2023-24.

A two-member Election Commission of Pakistan bench, led by Member Sindh Nisar Durrani, addressed the issue of 48 political parties summoned for failing to

submit their annual returns.

The hearing was adjourned until November 21 after accepting the parties’ requests for more time to fulfil this legal requirement.

Notably, no representatives from the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, PTI-Nazriyati, Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen, Balochistan Awami Party, or several other parties appeared before the ECP for the hearing.

However, representatives from the Sunni Ittehad Council, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, BNP-Mengal, Aam Aadmi Tehreek Pakistan, and some other political parties were present.

During the proceedings, the Sindh member inquired about possible actions the Election Commission of Pakistan could take against parties for non-compliance.

In response, Election Commission of Pakistan officials said that the Commission has the authority to withdraw electoral symbols from parties that fail to comply.