Pakistani parliamentary elections postponed due to deepening political and economic crisis

(Patria) - Pakistan's election oversight body on Thursday postponed the country's upcoming parliamentary elections for the second time, saying the vote, originally expected in November, and then scheduled for the last week of January, will instead be held in February.

The Election Commission of Pakistan announced that the vote will be held on February 8, a date chosen after consultations with the country's President Arif Alvi, requested by the Supreme Court of the country, AP reported.

Earlier, the commission had requested more time to prepare for the vote and redraw constituencies on the electoral map to better reflect the latest census.

Imprisoned former Prime Minister and Pakistan's top opposition leader Imran Khan, whose Tehreek-e-Insaf party is a strong contender in the race, has expressed fears that the vote could be indefinitely postponed.

Khan is ineligible to run due to a corruption conviction. He also faces numerous legal cases on countless charges, including leaking state secrets, inciting violence and terrorism. The charges were filed under the government of Khan's successor and greatest rival, former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Pakistan has been in deepening political turmoil since April 2022, when Khan was removed from office by a vote of no confidence in parliament. He was arrested in early August on corruption charges and sentenced to three years.

Khan's political rivals, including Sharif's parties and former President Asif Zardari, are likely to face tough competition in the elections. Sharif has failed to improve the struggling economy, although he has managed to save Pakistan from possible default.

This South Asian country of 241 million people is currently facing one of the worst economic crises in its history, which has led to protests over inflation. Parliament was dissolved in August, after completing its five-year term.

Currently, interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar is running daily affairs.

Like Khan, Sharif's brother and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is ineligible to run for parliament due to a 2018 conviction in several corruption cases. He returned home in September, ending four years of self-imposed exile in London, but still has to face court.