KARACHI: Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Minister, Murtaza Solangi, reaffirmed the caretaker government’s commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all political parties in the upcoming general elections.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori, Solangi pledged impartial treatment for all political groups during the election campaign.
Solangi explained that the caretaker government’s tenure was extended slightly due to the approval of fresh census results by the Council of Common Interest. He referred to Article 51 (5) of the Constitution, which mandates elections to be held in accordance with the recently approved census results after the delimitation of constituencies.
He revealed that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was actively involved in the delimitation process and announced that preliminary results of this process would be made public on November 27, with the final results scheduled for release on November 30. According to the Election Act, the ECP must allocate 54 days for political parties to conduct their election campaigns.
Solangi welcomed the ECP’s announcement that elections would occur in the first week of January, putting an end to speculation about the caretaker government’s intentions.
Regarding criticisms directed at Fawad Hassan Fawad, who had served in the civil service for over 35 years, the minister emphasized that Fawad had worked with various governments. Solangi pointed out that civil servants have no control over their assignments, and he deemed unfounded criticism of someone unjustly imprisoned as unfair. He clarified that Fawad Hassan Fawad had no political affiliations.
Responding to a query, the minister expressed his commitment to pursuing justice in the Jan Muhammad Mahar murder case and stated that he had personally raised the matter with the interim chief minister of Sindh. Solangi emphasized that the caretaker government was not involved in Nawaz Sharif’s legal matters, as they were in the court, and it was inappropriate to speculate on the issue.
Independent Election Commission Key to Transparent Elections
Solangi stressed that all citizens in the country were entitled to their fundamental rights and highlighted the significance of student organizations as a pillar of democracy. He underscored the crucial role of an independent and empowered Election Commission in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections, with the caretaker government requiring ECP approval for transfer postings.
Solangi mentioned that the government was actively addressing the concerns of workers in newspapers and TV channels. He confirmed the lawful arrest of journalist Khalid Jamil by the FIA and emphasized adherence to constitutional and legal procedures, including producing individuals before the court within 24 hours.
The caretaker minister assured that the government would not interfere in judicial matters and encouraged anyone with issues to seek recourse through relevant channels, emphasizing that institutions were functioning independently and freely.
