Pakistan general elections on July 25; stalemate on caretaker PM remains

People of Pakistan will vote on July 25 to elect the new government in the country, a presidential spokesman said on Sunday.

Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had written to the President and proposed two dates—July 25 and 27 -- to hold elections for the National Assembly and four provincial Assemblies.

On Saturday, Pakistan President Hussain approved July 25 as the polling date for general and provincial elections, PTI quoted officials in the President Office as saying.

A total of 105.95 million voters will use their right of vote to elect the new government. Among them, 59.2 million are male and 46.7 million are female voters.

The dates of general elections were announced even as the ruling PML-N and the opposition spar over picking up an interim prime minister.

The ruling government in the neighbouring country will complete its tenure on May 31 and a caretaker government will take over from June 1. The caretaker government will remain in the office until a new government is set up through elections.

However, despite half a dozen meetings between Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and opposition leader Khursheed Shah, the name of the caretaker prime minister could not be finalised.

(With inputs from agencies)