Following JUI-F and MQM-P, PML-N also requests an extension in the deadline for filing nomination papers.

On Thursday, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) formally requested a two-day extension to the December 22 deadline for filing nomination papers for the upcoming general elections set for February 8 next year.

This move follows similar requests made a day earlier by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUIF) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), who also wrote to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) seeking a three-day extension for the filing of nomination papers.

In a letter addressed to the electoral authority, Senator Ishaq Dar from the PML-N highlighted that the ECP has the authority to make necessary adjustments to the election schedule without affecting the polling date set for February 8, 2024.

The letter pointed out that the current schedule allocates only three days for filing nomination papers, while seven days are designated for their scrutiny. The process involves providing various details and documents, including NOCs/NECs from various public departments. Dar emphasized that filing nomination papers is a time-consuming process, and any oversight could result in the rejection of documents.

The PML-N leader requested a two-day extension to facilitate the numerous candidates interested in participating in the elections. The proposal is to amend the schedule issued on December 15, 2023, without altering the polling day of February 8, 2024. The original election schedule allowed nomination papers to be received from December 20 to 22.