Islamabad: Pakistan's Election Commission today deferred by-elections to 38 constituencies in the national and four provincial assemblies from June 3 to June 18.

Election Commission Secretary Kanwar Dilshad said this had been done due to ongoing sessions of the national and provincial assemblies and lack of sufficient time for the political parties to campaign for the by-polls. "It is difficult for political parties to pay proper attention to the issue of awarding tickets to candidates and run their campaigns," he said.

"Therefore, to facilitate political parties and candidates, the schedule for the elections is being revised."

Nomination papers can be filed between April 15 and May 6 and the scrutiny of papers will be done during May 7-13. The last date for filing of appeals against the nomination papers will be May 17.

The last date for withdrawal of candidature will be May 26 and the polling will be held on June 18, Dilshad said. By-polls are being held to eight National Assembly constituencies and 30 seats of the provincial assemblies.

Source : PTI