As Pakistan approaches the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024, there is widespread speculation about the possibility of a nationwide holiday coinciding with this pivotal event. The expectation for a day off on February 8 is rooted in a tradition established during the 2018 General Election when the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) declared July 25th as a public holiday.
The primary purpose of such holidays is to facilitate voters, ensuring they can conveniently exercise their right to vote and actively participate in the democratic process. Drawing on the precedent set in 2018, where the ECP officially declared a public holiday on July 12, providing 13 days’ notice before the elections, a similar announcement for February 8 could be anticipated around January 26 this year.
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Empowered by Article 218 of the Constitution, the Election Commission of Pakistan holds the authority to declare public holidays on election days. If February 8 is indeed declared a public holiday, it will be a significant moment for Pakistanis, coinciding with Kashmir Day falling on a Monday. This serendipitous alignment would allow citizens to enjoy two public holidays within the same week.
In keeping with past practices, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is also expected to declare a holiday on the day of polling, ensuring that the financial sector aligns with the national sentiment and facilitates the electoral process.
As the nation eagerly awaits the official announcement from the Election Commission of Pakistan, the potential for a public holiday on February 8 adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming general elections, shining a spotlight on the intersection of civic duty and collective celebration.
