ISLAMABAD: Local Government elections in Karachi have been postponed in view of heavy rains and flood like situations in the economic hub of the country. The decision was taken by the Election Commission of Pakistan during a meeting presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja.
The decision comes a day after similar decision taken for the Hyderabad division on the recommendation of the provincial election commissioner, Sindh, district administration and the meteorological department.
LB elections in nine Hyderabad Divison and Karachi were scheduled for Sunday. The ECP’s spokesman on Tuesday said that they would meet on Wednesday to review holding elections in Karachi division. The monsoon spell has given rise to a risk of urban flooding.
Met Office informed that a low pressure (LPA) over upper Sindh is likely to weaken during next 12 hours. Another low pressure (LPA) area is likely to approach Sindh from 23rd August. Due to this weather system monsoon currents are penetrating in upper and southern parts of Pak. pic.twitter.com/KGTaHiseJw
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) August 21, 2022
This is the second time the elections are being postponed. They were first supposed to be held July 24, but were then put off to August 28. But now, given the bad weather predictions, the ECP has decided not to go ahead with them on this date either.
The Met Office has said there is a risk of urban flooding Aug 24 onwards.