Caretakers shocked to learn about TTP plans to attack polls

Interior Minister Malik Habib Khan on Friday dropped a bombshell on the maiden meeting of the caretaker federal cabinet, sharing information that exclusive reports had hinted that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was planning to disrupt the general elections and had trained militia for terrorist activities across the country.

A source told Pakistan Today that during the cabinet meeting, Habib made an elaborate presentation to the meeting based on intelligence intercepts and claimed that the polls process was facing a serious threat from terrorists.

Asked whether the minister made specific reference about top politicians being on the TTP hit-list, he said there was no specific reference about threat to any politician, but terrorists would target large crowds in general.

Briefing reporters later, Federal Minister for Information Arif Nizami confirmed that the cabinet meeting was given a briefing by interior minister about possible terrorist threats. He said Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso had mandated the interior minister to take all necessary measures to ensure that law and order did not become an obstacle to polls.

He said the meeting also decided to take measures for protection of power installations to foil attempts by terrorists to interrupt power supply.

The minister said being a provincial subject, the cabinet decided that effective coordination would be maintained with the provincial governments and support would be provided to the provinces in this regard.

To a question, Nizami said attempts to sabotage elections began even before announcement of the election date, but the government would tackle all such challenges. He said after the cabinet meeting and deliberations, he was confident that elections would definitely be held on time, adding that the caretaker government was fully competent to address challenges in this regard.

The minister said the prime minister also expressed his pleasure over the smooth completion of first phase of filing of nomination papers and said all political parties had shown great enthusiasm which was reflected in the large number of nomination papers filed by candidates. The prime minister was also happy that all political parties in Balochistan had chosen to participate in the election, he added.

Nizami said the federal cabinet expressed its strong resolve to ensure free, fair and transparent elections in the country.

“In his opening remarks, the prime minister said all necessary measures would be taken to coordinate with all stakeholders, including the Election Commission of Pakistan. All government’s agencies would facilitate the conduct of free and fair elections,” the minister said.

Nizami said the prime minister said that despite minimum time, the caretaker government’s resolve was strong.

Asked whether strict scrutiny of nomination papers of the candidates could jeopardise the elections, the minister said scrutiny was a new phenomenon for politicians.

However, he added that the matter was under the domain of Election Commission and the government had nothing to do with it. Asked to comment on questions being raised over integrity and expertise of some members of the federal cabinet, the minister said the prime minister was very strict in this regard and he would ensure that the administration’s role remained neutral.

“If anyone is found performing below par, the prime minister would take notice because questions against someone’s credibility would be a challenge. However, let me tell you that I have no such information,” he added.

Asked whether the cabinet expansion would be made and new ministers would be appointed to look after the subjects of finance, foreign affairs and defence, the minister said that the caretaker cabinet would be lean.

However, he added, important matters of finance and foreign affairs needed to be looked after. “There is always a space for experts,” he added. Asked whether the cabinet was informed about the deployment of armed forces at polling stations, the minister said no such discussion took place.

To a query about his alleged reservations on Najam Sethi’s appointment as chief minister of Punjab, Nizami said he had not objected to the nomination of Sethi.

“Rather, during a live TV show, I had appreciated the selection of Najam Sethi as chief minister Punjab and I also congratulated him on his swearing in,” he added. He said Sethi was part of neutral caretaker government which was a welcome sign.

He said he would ensure that the state-owned media played its role as neutral player during general elections. Nizami said he would coordinate with the PTA, APNS and ECP to ensure timely and correct dissemination of information to all media outlets about the election results.

The minister said economy also came under discussion and the finance and FBR secretaries also gave their presentations. He said the prime minister directed holding a special briefing on economy soon.

The minister said for the first time in the history of the country, transition from one democratic government to another was taking place.