https://ift.tt/uj9o7aL Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasised that the upcoming general elections should be conducted based on the new census data. He expressed his belief that there is no reason to delay the elections, asserting that it is the duty of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to carry out delimitations and ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process. Speaking to a private TV channel on Tuesday, PM Shehbaz expressed regret over the recent increase in petroleum product prices. He attributed the hike to the rising costs of crude oil in the international market, stating that the government's hands were tied due to IMF agreements, preventing them from subsidising petrol prices. "The price of petrol is not under our control… the increase was forced due to the cost of crude oil in the international market, and because of IMF constraints, we cannot subsidise petrol," he explained. Also read: Govt rushes crucial bills as term nears end Turning his attention to the census issue, the prime minister emphasised that elections should be held based on the new census data, underlining that this responsibility falls on the Election Commission rather than the government, as their term is scheduled to end on August 12. Regarding the caretaker government, PM Shehbaz informed that the consultation process within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has been completed, with only consultations with the leader of the opposition remaining. PM Shehbaz highlighted the importance of holding elections under the new census. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to respecting the public mandate and ensuring the continuity of the democratic process for a full five-year term. The government will complete its tenure on August 12 but Prime Minister Shehbaz has already announced that the National Assembly would be dissolved before that and the power would be handed over to an interim set-up.
from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/UjSLOkI
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