ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi assured on Saturday that scheduled polls on Thursday would be conducted peacefully.
Addressing a press conference in the federal capital, Solangi stated that all arrangements related to elections have been completed, and the authorities have devised a robust security plan.
He outlined the three-tiered security division, with police handling the first part, Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) managing the second, and the third tier under the supervision of the Pakistan Army.
Recalling the challenges faced during previous elections, Solangi mentioned increased terrorism during the 2008 and 2013 general elections.
He attributed the rise in terrorism to the Taliban’s control of the Kabul government, using Afghanistan as a safe haven for groups like Al-Qaeda and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The interim minister emphasized the comprehensive security arrangements at polling stations, reassuring that security forces are fully prepared for the elections. Solangi affirmed that Pakistan is actively taking measures against terrorists.
Concerns about the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan have arisen due to recent attacks on political rallies, offices, and candidates. The murder of independent candidate Rehan Zeb Khan in Bajaur and incidents like the firing on a political party convoy in Qila Abdullah district and a grenade attack on a candidate’s house in Kech district have raised alarms.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken notice of these incidents and sought immediate reports on the situations, indicating the need for heightened vigilance in the lead-up to the elections.
