PM says ‘aliens’ will conduct polls, ECP says not

–ECP spokesperson urges restraint against issuance of statements ‘which are based on speculation and hearsay’

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday dismissed Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s remarks that ‘aliens’ will conduct the upcoming general elections, saying the statement was against the spirit of the constitution and its mandate.

In a statement, the ECP said it is completely ready to hold the 2018 General Elections and is entirely independent when it comes to its legal and constitutional responsibilities.

An ECP spokesperson cautioned those holding high offices to refrain from making such statements, which are based on speculation and hearsay.

On Thursday, as per media reports, Prime Minister Abbasi had said that “aliens will hold the next elections but even then the ruling party will take part in them”. He had reportedly made the remarks while interacting with journalists during a dinner hosted by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had also claimed earlier on Thursday that he is not contesting against the Pakistan Peoples Party or Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf but ‘outside beings’.

Interacting with reporters inside the accountability court hearing corruption cases against him, the three-time premier had said that the ‘outside beings’ are busy working on installing a Parliament of their choice.

The country is set to hold general elections in the last week of July after the present government completes its tenure on May 31.