Islamabad: Pakistan's Senate approved a resolution on Friday, calling for a delay in the general election scheduled for February 8, citing cold weather and security concerns. Independent Senator Dilawar Khan introduced the resolution, which garnered significant support in the upper house of the country's Parliament. However, Information Minister Murtaza Solangi and Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party opposed the move.

Senator Khan argued that harsh cold weather in many areas of the country made election participation unmanageable. Expressing worry about the security situation, he noted the ongoing challenges, with politicians and even security forces being targeted, including an attack on Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman.

The resolution passed with only 14 lawmakers in attendance, as reported by the Dawn newspaper. This development is significant given the Supreme Court's clear orders to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to adhere to the original election date. The Senate's decision is anticipated to contribute to heightened political and economic instability in the country.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange reacted negatively to the resolution, witnessing an immediate drop of more than 800 points. This move by the Senate adds uncertainty to the political landscape and could have broader implications for the country's economic stability.

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