The security concerns in some areas of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are true but the Election Commission of Pakistan stands ready to hold the elections in accordance with the schedule.
The whole country gears up for the general elections on February 8 and some regions have witnessed a series of violent incidents, particularly targeting political rallies.
Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, in a security meeting in Islamabad, acknowledged the existing security challenges but emphasized the ECP’s readiness to conduct the elections.
Raja declared terrorism as the primary obstacle to the electoral process and expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and the Pakistan Army to ensure a secure environment for voters and candidates.
The ECP expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in KP and Balochistan but underscored its determination to proceed with the electoral process despite challenges.
Raja warned against any attempts to disrupt the elections and instructed LEAs to remain vigilant, especially during the vote counting and results announcement phases.
Notable attendees at the meeting included caretaker Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz, Interior Secretary Aftab Durrani, intelligence officials, chief secretaries, and police chiefs of Balochistan and KP, along with senior ECP members. Officials presented comprehensive security measures taken across the country, assuring the CEC of preparedness in both provinces.
The security situation in KP and Balochistan had raised concerns due to recent attacks on political rallies, offices, and candidates. In response to incidents like the murder of independent candidate Rehan Zeb Khan in Bajaur, the ECP directed comprehensive reports from provincial authorities and urged immediate action against perpetrators.
In light of attacks in Qila Abdullah and Kech districts in Balochistan, as well as a bomb attack at a political party’s election office in Quetta, the ECP demanded immediate reports from the chief secretary and inspector general of police in Balochistan.
