ISLAMABAD, Jan 17 (APP)
:Chief El
ection Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja on Wednesday pledged thorough el
ection monitoring, zero tolerance for negligence from institutions, polling staff, or candidates and a commitment to holding el
ections as scheduled.
Chairing a meeting to review el
ection preparations, Chief El
ection Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja emphasized the importance of a peaceful general el
ection. He underscored the responsibility carried by the administration and law enforcement agencies.
CEC pledged timely administrative and security measures to ensure the peaceful, secure, and successful execution of the upcoming general el
ections. This creates a conducive environment for political parties, candidates, and voters to exercise their voting rights without fear or danger.
CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja instructed to secure leaders and voters of all political parties and to enhance security for additional el
ection rallies and meetings.
Chief Secretaries, IG, and Chief Commissioner Islamabad briefing the meeting affirmed the finalization of el
ection arrangements, ensuring preparedness to address any potential situations.
Participants were briefed in the meeting about threat alerts in certain areas of the country. However, every effort is being made to ensure peaceful el
ections. The meeting highlighted the swift completion of renovations for flood-damaged polling stations.
The meeting was told that CCTV cameras have been installed at highly sensitive polling stations, and the timely provision of funds to relevant institutions is being guaranteed.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assured that roads and paths in snow-affected districts would remain open on el
ection day, ensuring public access to polling stations. Strict implementation of the el
ection code of ethics was emphasized.
The Chief Secretary of Balochistan mentioned the formation of peace committees at the polling station level to contribute to a tranquil environment during the el
ections.
The Chief Secretary of Punjab emphasized the need for clear policy instructions regarding changes in the allocation of el
ection symbols to avoid any delays in the electoral process.
The Chief El
ection Commissioner confirmed that the printing of ballot papers is currently underway. Hence, making changes in el
ection symbols at this juncture could pose challenges for conducting el
ections in these constituencies.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Interior informed the meeting about the establishment of control rooms at the federal level for the el
ection. The Ministry of Interior is coordinating with all institutions, ensuring all necessary measures are in place to support the El
ection Commission and facilitate peaceful el
ections.
The Inspector Generals (IGs) received assurance that any decrease in police personnel would be compensated by other security agencies.
The Chief El
ection Commissioner extended gratitude to the meeting participants, expressing c
ontentment with the el
ection preparations. In accordance with Article 218 (3), ensuring peaceful and transparent el
ections is the responsibility of the El
ection Commission.
The meeting was attended by members of the El
ection Commission, the Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Chief Secretaries of the four provinces, IGs, representatives of other law enforcement agencies, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Secretary El
ection Commission, and other senior officers.
