ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday said that elections in the senate were not possible any time before Feb 10 next year.

In a clarification, the ECP said that it was well aware of its responsibilities and would announce date for the senate election at an appropriate time.

It said that about half of the members of the Senate will retire on Mar 11.

On the other hand, the Pakistan Peoples Party, which had been talking about resignations from the assemblies along the Pakistan Democratic Movement, has now decided to pursue by-elections. PPP-P Secretary General Senator Farhatullah Babar has formally sought applications from the candidates for the seats of NA-45, NA-75 (Sialkot), PP-51 (Gujranwala), PS-43, PS-88, PP-20 and PK-63.

Babar has directed to send applications on Bilawal House Karachi’s address and attach a pay order of Rs30,000 on the name of Zardari House with the application.