After expressing satisfaction over security arrangements put in place by provincial governments for May 11 elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan on Thursday ruled out any possibility of delay in elections.
A meeting held at the ECP on Thursday reviewed security arrangements in detail. Representatives of ECP, NADRA, Defence Ministry, Rangers, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Law and all four provincial governments participated.
CEC Fakhruddin G Ebrahim after reviewing security arrangements expressed satisfaction.
During the meeting, Defence Secretary Asif Yaseen Malik suggested the Election Commission to use army as a “Quick Response Force” on polling day to maintain law and order.
The army would also perform security duties at marked sensitive polling stations, the CEC was told.
The meeting discussed the strategy pertaining to security of political leadership during electioneering and polling stations on the polling day and the participants shared views over the subject.
It was decided that modalities to deploy army would be left for the military commanders and local administration so that the force could be used per need. The ECP also decided to contact WAPDA chairman and finance secretary so that there was no load-shedding between May 11 and 13 to keep the election process smooth.
Security in the upcoming polls has been a major problem for the government and the ECP, as several political parties and leaders have become target of terrorist during their candidatures, particularly in KP.
After the meeting, ECP Secretary Isthiak Ahmed Khan said all provincial secretaries and defence secretary assured the commission that they would ensure peaceful environment for the elections. He said that Elections would be held on May 11 at all cost.