PTI leader Ali Zafar has said that the perception that the PTI was seeking election delay was right to some extent, as rival political parties accuse the Imran Khan-led party of delaying polls.

“Your perception is correct to some extent. This was the impression,” he said when asked that political parties accuse the PTI of seeking election delay.

He was on Geo News show Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath where he address queries related to the Lahore High Court’s decision that suspended the polls overseer notification regarding appointment of returning officers (ROs) from bureaucracy and the political parties’ perception.

Elections are scheduled to be held on February 8.

“We want that free and fair elections are held and ROs are appointed from the judiciary so our petition is correct and appropriate,” Zafar said.

But he added that the stay order has created an impression that election might be delayed. He called for striking a balance and the case is being heard “as soon as possible”.

He was of the view that the criticism pertaining to the election delay was correct to some extent, reiterating that the stay has created an impression that polls would be delayed.

“This perception should not be made,” he said and called for changing it.

When asked about any “communication gap” within the party, Zafar said that he did not expect that the party was seeking any stay order. “I was not aware of the stay order and I don’t think it was needed. Nevertheless, it has been taken and now it is needed to withdraw it,” he said and added that there might be some miscommunication.

In response to a query, he said that it was high time that parties start to accept the election result and suggested that elections whether under judiciary or bureaucracy should be held.

He was of the view that the Election Act was available to challenge any allegations related to rigging.