KARACHI: Sindh Chief Secretary (CS) Major (r) Azam Suleman Khan on Saturday said that the provincial government of has released funds of Rs1 billion for the provision of missing facilities at the polling stations across the province.
He said that in a meeting with All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) delegation comprising Kazi Asad Abid, Sarmad Ali, Javed Maher Shamsi and Ali Hassan here in Karachi. The Information Secretary and Archives Shahid Pervez was also present in the meeting.
The chief secretary further stated that over 20,000 CCTV cameras would be installed at 5673 sensitive polling stations from and the funds for that have been also released.
He further stated that the code of conduct for general elections is being implemented strictly. “This is for the first time in history that various political leaders and parties had been issued notices for violating the code of conduct,” added the chief secretary.
Major (r) Azam Suleman further stated that Sindh government is creating an environment of peace for the transparent, fair and secure general elections in the light of directives and recommendations of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
In a question, the chief secretary said informed that he himself had visited divisional headquarters of Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, Larkana and Shaheed Benazirabad to review the arrangements for the general elections.
“I will monitor all arrangements and implementations through the video conferences with the concerned officers,” added the CS.
He also stated that there would be a complete ban on display of arms during the general elections. He informed the delegation that those people who were previously involved in creating law and order situation, public disturbance or violence were being directed to submit sureties and assurances and if needed, all those who creating disturbance or violence would be arrested.
APNS delegation expressed satisfaction over the arrangements of the caretaker government and while pointing out current law and order situation and stressed the need for extra efforts. The CS said that the intelligence committees had also been formed and given all authorities in this regard.
The APNS delegation raised the issue of liabilities of its member publications and asked the Sindh government to resolve the issue.
The Information and Archives secretary informed the delegation about all details and said furthers claims of newspapers were under the process of reconciliation and verification.
The chief secretary assured the delegation that the issues of the APNS would be resolved on priority as media is the most important pillar of our country and it had to play a very constructive role in holding free, fair and transparent general elections.
