Supreme Court of Pakistan directed Election Commission to hold Presidential Election

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on 23 July 2013 ordered the Election Commission of Pakistan to hold the Presidential election on 30 July 2013. The decision of the Supreme Court of Pakistan was issued following the petition filed by, Raja Zafarul Haq, the PML(N) leader, who pleaded the court that a large number of Parliamentarians, who will cast vote in the election would precede for Umrah and observe Aitakaf, during the last ten days of Ramazan.

The Election Commission in its reply to the Supreme Court mentioned that the Court’s orders will be implemented. Earlier, the Presidential election of Pakistan was scheduled to be held on 6 August 2013. The term of the incumbent President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari will end on 8 September 2013.  

Aitakaf
Aitakaf also pronounced as Itikāf (means staying at a particular place) is an Islamic practice, which consists of the period of stay in the Mosque for a certain number of days for the worship of Allah, following the choice of the believer. This is commonly practiced during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Umrah
Umrah generally is a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia that can be performed by the Muslims at any time of the year (except the period of Hajj).