Punjab govt, ECP determined to ensure transparent elections

Lahore: The Punjab caretaker government and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Monday reiterated their commitment to make the general elections peaceful and transparent.

An important meeting was held in the Chief Minister's House under the chairmanship of Mohsin Naqvi and Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, in which the members of four provinces of the ECP and the members of Punjab Cabinet participated.

The members of the meeting reviewed the preparations of Punjab government in detail. During the meeting, a detailed briefing was given by the ECP regarding the preparations for the general elections in Punjab.

In the meeting, a briefing was also given on the security arrangements for the general elections. The caretaker Punjab government and the Election Commission expressed their determination to ensure the peaceful, free and fair conduct of the general elections.

The caretaker Punjab Government will appoint a focal person for coordination with the Election Commission to ensure the conduct of general elections.

During the meeting, Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja said: “The time for general elections is around the corner, everyone should work together to ensure a fair and transparent election. We will fully support Punjab government for free and fair elections”.

He added that the phase of constituencies will be completed by November 30, the Election Commission is ready to conduct transparent, free and fair general elections. ‘We are completely satisfied with the measures of Punjab government under the leadership of caretaker chief minister Mohsin Naqvi,’ commissioner stated.

Speaking at the meeting, caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that all possible cooperation will be provided to Election Commission for the peaceful and transparent conduct of general elections. The foolproof arrangements will be made to ensure the free conduct of elections in Punjab.

Mohsin Naqvi further said: “The caretaker Punjab government team will strictly follow the guidelines of the Election Commission to ensure the fair conduct of the general elections”.

ECP Member Sindh Nisar Ahmed Durrani, Member Balochistan Shah Muhammad Jatoi, Member Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Justice (retd) Ikramullah Khan, Member Punjab Babar Hasan Bharwana, Special Secretary-I ECP Dr. Syed Asif Hussain participated in the meeting.

Special Secretary-II ECP Zafar Iqbal Hussain, Provincial Election Commissioner Punjab Saeed Gul, Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police (IGC), Additional Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary Interior, Departmental Secretaries and senior officials also attended the meeting.