Prime Minster Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has handed over the control of National Crisis Management Cell (NCMC) to the Election Commission of Pakistan.
PM Khoso has directed the NCMC, presently working under the Ministry of Interior, to work hand-in-hand with the ECP in case of any emergency. He said the army would be called in for help only in case of an emergency, and if deemed necessary, would also be used for targeted operations.
The NCMC is repository of various assets of the country which include representatives of intelligence agencies and specialised services.
This decision has been taken by the prime minister to allay concerns raised by the ECP regarding the law and order and it is consistent with its policy to assist the ECP in the conduct of general elections in a free and fair manner.
Alluding to recent tragic incidents in various parts of the country as a result of bomb blasts and terrorists’ attacks‚ the prime minister termed them unfortunate and expressed concern over the prevailing law and order.
Khoso reiterated the resolve to leave no stone unturned for providing security to political leaders and candidates and maintenance of law and order in the country.
The prime minister said though maintenance of law and order was a provincial subject‚ the federal government had been extending all possible assistance to the provincial governments for beefing up their capacities in this regard.
The caretaker government, having inherited the over decades-old law and order problem‚ re-affirmed its commitment to take all that it takes to defeat the nefarious designs of those who threaten the life‚ property and honour of the people of Pakistan.
The government has decided to use all available resources, including deployment of the army and civil armed forces and permitted targeted operations in some parts of the country to flush out terrorists and anti-social elements.
The PM, who is personally monitoring the situation, is reportedly in touch with the provincial governments as well as federal authorities, besides issuing necessary directions to take remedial measures as and when deemed necessary.
