The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has postponed by-elections in Punjab owing to heavy rains and floods, the electoral body announced on Thursday.

According to the ECP, the affected constituencies include National Assembly seats NA-66 Wazirabad, NA-96 and NA-104 Faisalabad, NA-129 Lahore, and NA-143 Sahiwal.

By-elections have also been postponed in Punjab Assembly constituencies PP-73 Sargodha, PP-87 Mianwali, PP-98 Faisalabad, and PP-203 Sahiwal.

The commission said the elections, originally scheduled for September 18 and October 5, will now be held on dates to be announced later after reviewing the situation.

The ECP maintained that the decision was taken in view of the challenges posed by monsoon rains and flooding, which have severely disrupted routine life in many parts of Punjab.