Taking notice of terrorism incidents in the country targeting candidates and their supporters, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday directed the caretaker government to take necessary steps to ensure complete safety of citizens and leaders of all political parties.
“The recent incidents of terrorism causing loss of human lives and destruction of property has put the political parties on guard with an undercurrent of reluctance to organise, manage and participate in public meetings, short rallies and even corner meetings, which militates the concept of free elections and is likely to have an adverse effect on the turnout of the masses to exercise their right of franchise on the polling day,” read an ECP letter addressed to all head of provincial governments and police chiefs.
The letter said the prime legal and constitutional duty of the executive in each province, presently headed by caretakers, is to ensure complete safety to the person and property of candidates and leaders of all parties and the common man through the aegis of police, rangers and even military.
