The Election Commission of Pakistan invited parties to apply for election symbols for elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab on Wednesday.

The Commission has asked parties to nominate representatives who will have to file an application under section 216 of the election act.

Parties will have until March 8 to file the application. The ECP has also asked an affidavit under section 206 of the act with the application.

The applications can be considered the first step towards elections to the assemblies in the two provinces, regarding which the Supreme Court issued a verdict earlier on Wednesday.

The court has asked for elections to be held within 90 days starting from the dissolution of the assemblies in January. However, the ECP has decided that it will reenter consultations with the president over the date of elections in the Punjab.

Letter to government

The ECP has also decided to write to the government asking for security and funds for the elections.

Sources said the ECP will ask the government for Rs30 billion for election expenses.

The commission will ‘order’ the ministry of interior to provide security for the elections as well under article 220.