The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced its decision to hold by-polls on 33 vacant National Assembly seats on March 16.

The seats fell vacant after NA speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf accepted the resignation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers.

The top electoral body has directed the candidates to file the nomination papers between February 6 to 8. The initial names of the candidates will be published on February 9, as per the announcement, while the returning officers (RO) will carry out the scrutiny of the nomination papers till February 13.

Moreover, the last date to file appeals against the RO’s decision – on the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers – is February 16. The last date for the appellate tribunal to decide on the appeals is February 20.

The revised list of the candidates will be published on February 21, said ECP. Parties can withdraw their candidate will be on the 22nd of the month, while the election symbols will be allotted on February 23rd.

Karachi will be the center of attention on March 16, where the election will take place in nine constituencies – the most in any city. Elections will be held on five NA constituencies in Rawalpindi, three in Islamabad, two each from Multan and Lahore, eight constituencies from different areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one each in Jhelum, Bhakkar, DG Khan and, Quetta.

Imran Khan to contest election for PTI

Talking to Aaj News on Friday, PTI leader Hasaan Khawar said that PTI is ready for the elections and we will win the seats back by participating in the elections.

“After winning the election, we will not sit in the assembly,” he said. “Our plan is that Imran Khan will contest on all 33 constituencies.”