ISLAMABAD: 01 Feb 2024 – Chief Election Commissioner Mr. Sikandar Sultan Raja has made it clear that the February 8 elections will be held as per schedule, although there are security challenges to disrupt the elections and maintain peace and order, but the Election Commission is fully prepared and with the help of law enforcement agencies and the Pakistan Army . The elements that spoil the situation will be dealt with strictly and no leniency will be shown in this regard.
He expressed these views while addressing an important meeting held in the Election Commission to deliberate on the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan and its impact on the general elections.
In addition to honorable members of the Election Commission, Acting Supervisory Federal Minister of Interior, Federal Secretary of Interior, DGIB, Chief Secretary and IG of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and Balochistan Province, representatives of other agencies, Secretary Election Commission and other senior officers were present in the meeting.
The Chief Election Commissioner, while addressing the participants of the meeting, expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, especially the incidents of attacks on Election Commission offices and political meetings, however, he made it clear that despite terrorism, security challenges and incidents affecting the election process, the election process will not stop, the election will be held in time and no one should have illusions or presumptions in this regard.
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Sikandar Sultan Raja termed terrorism as the biggest enemy of the electoral process, however, he expressed full confidence in the law enforcement agencies and expressed confidence that they have taken all necessary administrative and security arrangements for the peaceful conduct of the general elections and political parties, candidates and voters will be provided with a safe and conducive environment to conduct their election campaigns without fear of danger and citizens to exercise their right to vote.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Chief Secretary and IG of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan Province, representatives of other agencies raised the law and order situation across the country and especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan for the safe and peaceful conduct of general elections. The commission was informed about all the security and administrative measures taken.
Chief Secretary and IG Balochistan told the meeting that the provincial administration and security agencies are fully alert and ready to fight terrorism. Informed the Commission about the details of the ongoing operation against the terrorists and assured that no political or non-political forces will be allowed to obstruct the election process and those who do so will be dealt with iron hands.
The meeting was informed that the elections are being held in KP for the first time after the merger of FATA in the province, however preparations are complete at the administrative level and the law enforcers. All the resources have been provided to the institutes.
Federal Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz said that he has returned from a visit to Balochistan where he reviewed the situation. He said that the federal and provincial governments are fully prepared for the peaceful and successful conduct of elections. All the preparations are complete and full support and resources will be provided to the Election Commission for conducting the general elections and there will be no negligence at any level in this regard.
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