In response to remarks by Nasiruddin Patwari, Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed stated, “The Election Commission has a spine—it's standing tall because it has strength and integrity.” He confirmed that a European Union observer team will arrive by mid-September, comprising three international and four local observers. Their goal will be to assess the EC’s preparations ahead of the polls. The press briefing comes amid speculation that the Chief Advisor will soon announce the proposed election timeline.