Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday sought a detailed briefing from National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) officials over security threats faced by candidates amid terrorist attacks in the last week in cities including Peshawar, Bannu and Mastung.
“The competent authority has desired to be briefed on security threats in relations to various political persons and the prevailing security situation immediately,” the statement issued by the ECP said.
ECP also directed NACTA’s national coordinator to arrange the briefing on Saturday. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice (r) Raza Khan will take stock of security threats being faced by politicians and candidates, an ECP spokesperson said.
Condemning the Mastung blast and attack on a convoy in Bannu, the CEC took notice of the Mastung attack and sought a report from the Balochistan caretaker chief minister, Inspector General Police (IGP) and chief secretary about the incident.
The CEC also asked for the report, and why candidates had not been provided security despite time and again directives of the commission, a press release issued on Friday said.
He also expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the blasts.
The CEC ordered for the provision of foolproof security to all the candidates without any discrimination to ensure peaceful conduct of the general election.
