Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information Barrister Syed Ali Zafar , on Thursday, said that the caretaker government would fully assist the Election Commission (EC) in holding transparent, fair, peaceful and timely general election and all needs of the Election Commission would be met.

While speaking to the media during his visit to the EC, Syed Ali Zafar said that it was the responsibility of the government to provide all funds required for the elections.

He said that the EC would use modern technology in the elections, setting an example for the world.

He added that he met the Chief Election Commissioner and discussed, in detail, matters relating to holding of transparent elections.

“We talked about elections in Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA) and about media and foreign observers in elections among other matters. A detailed briefing was given by the Election Commission in a meeting about preparations and steps taken for the election,” Syed Ali Zafar informed the media.

Ali Zafar said that he was happy to know about the arrangements being made by the Election Commission. He added that Election Commission would be provided all kind of information, while implementation on all its instructions would be ensured.

He said the government did not want to be part of any blame game or partiality. “We will not talk in support, or against anybody but we wish to put facts before the nation.”

He informed the press that the government would not interfere in legal proceedings against anybody. “If National Accountability Bureau (NAB) , Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other institutions were working or a court had been holding a trial, the caretaker government would not interfere in it,” he added.

The minister said that the next government should also follow this principle as it was a cardinal requirement of the constitution. He added that since the courts were established in accordance to the law and constitution and they should be completely independent in giving verdicts.

The minister said that some polling stations were very sensitive, some sensitive and some normal. He explained that security would be provided according to sensitivity of a polling station.

The minister further said that all actions needed for security would be taken and services of Pakistani armed forces and security institutions would be requested if need be. The minister assured the public that there was no security threat. “We would inform the public if there is a security threat,” said Ali Zafar.

Published in Daily Times, June 29^th 2018.