Caretaker Interior Minister Dr. Gohar Ejaz announced on Thursday that the polls would take place on February 8 “come what may.” This announcement came after a crucial meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) about the security issues in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Following the murder of an independent candidate for the National Assembly in the Bajaur district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the killing of an ANP worker in the Qilla Abdullah district of Balochistan, this new development has occurred one day after the previous two incidents.
A significant surge in violence occurred just eight days before the general elections, and it included an attack with a grenade on the election campaign office of Ali Madad Jatak, a candidate for the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which was located on Sariab Road in Quetta. In the Kech area of Balochistan, a grenade attack of a similar nature was carried out at the residence of another candidate for the Patriotic Party of Pakistan, Mir Zahoor Buledi.
The explosion occurred on a key road in Sibi, Balochistan, on Tuesday, during an election rally that was conducted by Saddam Tareen, an independent candidate connected with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for the NA-253 (Ziarat) constituency. The explosion resulted in the deaths of at least four people and injuries to five more.
When it comes to the elections that will take place on February 8th, there should be no room for uncertainty any longer. During his remarks to the media after the ECP meeting, he stated that the ECP and the caretaker government will work together to ensure that elections are conducted properly, and that they will take place on February 8 regardless of the circumstances.
During the meeting, which was presided over by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, a number of important officials were present. These officials included Secretary Election Commission Dr. Asif Hussain, Caretaker Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz, Interior Secretary Aftab Akbar Durrani, as well as inspector generals and chief secretaries of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
In addition, there were representatives from intelligence agencies present to deliver briefings on the current state of security. A complete review of the security situation in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa was presented by Gohar, and reports were presented to the officers of the ECP.
It was said by the minister of the interior that the incidences of lawlessness that occurred in Balochistan and K-P were intended to instill terror among the general population.
He stated that the security services have implemented comprehensive security arrangements in each of the four provinces, and he encouraged the people to cast their votes with confidence because the elections will reinforce the stability of the country.
The following is a further comment that Ejaz made regarding the events that took place in Balochistan: “The incidents that are taking place in Balochistan are not related to the elections; rather, they are acts of terrorism.” The province of Balochistan does not have any political polarization; the most significant difficulty we face in Balochistan is terrorism, and the security agencies are doing an outstanding job of defending the country.
While this was going on, Chief Electoral Commissioner Sultan stated to the media that the meeting was conducted to evaluate the preparations that have been made for the approaching elections, with a particular emphasis on the safety of both candidates and voters.
During the meeting, he stated that the worries regarding the safety of the elections in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were discussed. He also mentioned that the implementation of security measures is now underway in order to guarantee the protection of both the candidates and the voters.
It was said by him that the elections are going to take place all over the country on February 8th, and there is also no uncertainty surrounding the date of the elections. It was made clear by him that the ECP does not possess the authority to exercise control over the internet in cases of extreme circumstances or sensitive locations. He continued by saying, “The security agencies have informed us that the internet will be accessible throughout the nation on the day of the election.”
His statement that the law enforcement forces are completely dedicated to their efforts and that the inspector generals of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have guaranteed candidates of improved security was made after he referred to the security situation in Balochistan and K-P as “not normal.”
While this is going on, the ECP has taken note of the explosions that have occurred in Quetta, Turbat, and Jaffarabad. Because of this, they have requested an immediate report from the Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police in Balochistan regarding this matter.
Following the CEC’s notification of the aerial firing that occurred during the election campaign of a political party in Sukkur, the Chief Secretary and Inspector General Sindh have been requested to provide an expedient report into the incident.
A directive was also issued by the CEC to the Inspector General of Sindh Police, instructing him to pursue legal action against individuals who were involved in the incident.
