Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has directed all concerned to put in place better intelligence-sharing, improved vigilance and surveillance systems to counter terrorist attacks as the general elections will be held on time “come what may”, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Arif Nizami said on Thursday.
Briefing reporters about a high-level meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso, held to review law and order in the country, Nizami said, “Elections will be held per schedule come what may. On-time elections are necessary for the stability of Pakistan and a must for the continuity of the democratic process.”
He admitted that terrorists were trying to sabotage elections but added that they would be held on time.
Nizami said the government did not want to adopt, what he called the Rehman Malik Formula, of jamming cellular phone services on May 11. However, he added that the Interior Ministry might adopt such a measure if it got information that the cell phones were going to be used as a terror tool.
Referring to news reports about threats to nuclear installations of the country, Nizami said the meeting also discussed the reported threats and it was decided that better intelligence sharing, improved vigilance and surveillance systems would be put in place to counter any such activity.
“Two days before polls, the security beef will be multiplied. Fifty helicopters will be hovering over to ensure better surveillance,” he said, adding, “No one can deny the quantum of terrorist threat. Terrorist acts are unfortunate but we will have to fight the challenge,” he said.
Nizami said it was a welcome sign that the army, the judiciary and the media were supporting the election process.
“The prime minister has directed the authorities concerned to ensure all necessary steps to avoid any untoward situation,” the minister said, adding that real-time intelligence would be shared among all stakeholders to avert any terrorist activity as the challenging situation demanded special steps.
He said the government was in contact with all political parties for provision of security and the prime minister had already directed for provision of security to all politicians.
Nizami welcomed the support from political parties and said all political parties were taking part in the elections which reflected their trust in the caretaker set up. He rubbished the notion of any extension in the tenure of the caretaker set up.
Nizami said the borders would be sealed on the polling day to counter any possibility of infiltration while CNG stations would also be kept open to ensure mobilisation of voters. He said no load shedding would take place 36 hours before and after the polling day.
The information minister said 158 international observers had been issued visas while more would be coming for election monitoring. He said quick response force of the Pakistan Army would be ready to be called in on call.
He said eight police officials with one officer would be deployed at each sensitive polling station.
“At normal polling stations, one officer along with five officials will be deployed. Moreover, the Rangers will be deployed along with the police in Sindh,” he added.
To a query, Nizami said the army chief’s statement about timely polls was a welcome sign.
To another question, he said he had written letters for inquiry into the fire incident at a news agency, adding that request for compensation had also been forwarded.
