The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) on Thursday ordered the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to announce the date of the general elections today, while the counsel of the electoral watchdog told the apex that general elections in the country will be held on February 11, 2024.

The top court has directed the ECP to consult with the President and other relevant stakeholders to finalize the election date and report back to the court tomorrow (Friday).

This decision has evoked various responses from political parties, each sharing their opinions on the announced date for the general elections.

Pakistan People's Party (PPP)

Reacting to the announcement of election date for the general elections in the country, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Senator Sherry Rehman said that the ECP should announce the entire election schedule instead of just announcing the date. She said that it would have been better if the Commission had announced the date of the general elections in a constitutional manner.

Leaders of the PPP said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had already said that the election would be held in February, whereas, the PPP always wanted the elections to be held within 90 days as per the constitution. “Caretaker cabinet and unelected representatives do not have the authority to run the country for more than 90 days, and elections should have been held within 90 days,” they said.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)

The senior PML-N leadership said that it is good that the process of setting the date of election has started, and it is the jurisdiction of the ECP to set the date of the election and the Commission has fixed the date of February 11. The PML-N is ready for general elections and the party has invited applications from party ticket candidates across the country.

The party leadership further stated that the announcement of the date of general elections will bring political stability in the country, adding that the announcement of the date of general elections by the Supreme Court will also be considered good for the justice system. Now it is the responsibility of the Commission to conduct the election on February 11 as mentioned in the Supreme Court.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)

The PTI while reacting to the announcement of date for general elections termed the Supreme Court’s verdict historic and said that many things were being said regarding the holding of elections, while rumours were also making rounds that the polls wouldn’t be held. The party further stated that the ECP announced February 11 date of election on the directions of the Supreme Court.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)

The leadership of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), expressed party’s support for the announced general election date of February 11. The MQM hopes that the ECP will conduct clean and transparent elections nationwide on that day to move the country forward and maintain democratic traditions.

Jamiat Ulema Islam

The JUI leader Senator Kamran Murtaza pointed out that while February 11 is a proposed date, the final date will be confirmed after consultation with the President. The Commission and the President will hold consultation to finalize the election date. According to the constitution, the date of general elections should be announced by the President, but he could not announce the date on time. The Commission cannot make a final decision on the date of general elections.

Awami National Party (ANP)

The Awami National Party (ANP) leadership expressed doubts on the Commission’s intentions. The ANP believes that the Commission may still delay the elections, leading to a political crisis in the country. The party has called for not only the date but also the complete election schedule to be determined by the Supreme Court to ensure timely and transparent general elections.