With the approaching general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024, discussions are underway regarding the potential public holidays aligning with this significant event in Pakistan.
The expectation of a day off on February 8 follows a precedent set after the 2018 General Election when the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) declared July 25th as a public holiday.
The primary objective of such holidays is to facilitate individuals in exercising their right to vote and actively participating in the political process.
Reflecting on the 2018 scenario, where the ECP officially announced a public holiday on July 12, providing the public with a 13-day notice before the polls, a similar proclamation for February 8 could be anticipated around January 26 this year. According to Article 218 of the Constitution, the Election Commission of Pakistan has the authority to declare public holidays on election days.
If February 8 is declared a public holiday, it will be a significant day for Pakistanis as it coincides with Kashmir Day, falling on a Monday. This fortuitous alignment would allow the people of Pakistan to enjoy two public holidays in a single week.
Following historical trends, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is expected to declare a holiday on election day, aligning the financial sector with the public sentiment and supporting the electoral process.
As the nation awaits the official announcement from Pakistan’s Election Commission, the prospect of a public holiday on February 8 adds to the excitement surrounding the upcoming general elections, drawing attention to the intersection of civic duty and social enjoyment.
