Daily Times

LAHORE: Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Dr Hassan Askari has said that the interim government will ensure conducive atmosphere for the voters on the polling day enabling them to use their right of franchise without any fear.

Talking to representatives of foreign media in Lahore on Sunday, Punjab Caretaker CM Dr Hassan Askari said the interim government will prove its impartiality through practical measures.

The caretaker Punjab chief minister said equal opportunities are being provided to all of the political parties and in case of any complaint or problem, the candidates can contact the administration.

“Every political party will have equal opportunities in the election. The caretaker government will prove its impartiality by taking practical steps,” Dr Hassan Askari said, while having discussion with representatives of American news agency AP, and said that addressing legal complaints received from the candidates are responsibility of the interim government and they can contact administration in case of any complaint or problem.

Responding to a query he said that no one will be allowed to violate the Code of Conduct and across the board action will be taken against violators. He warned that fireworks and aerial firing will not be tolerated during the election campaign.

The caretaker CM Punjab, while answering another question said that the procedure according to the Constitution was followed for the nomination of CM. He said that “we will address all concerns with impartiality and finest management”.

Hassan Askari said that there should be balanced thinking for the success of democracy, adding that public awareness in this regard is yielding positive results.

Askari also congratulated the Pakistani cricket team for its glorious victory in the final match of T20 Tri-Series.

While applauding the players, he said that Pakistani cricketers displayed excellent performance in the field with passion, determination and hard work which brought defeat to the host team.

“By winning against the robust team of Australia, our players have proved their worth in the field of cricket,” Askari said, adding that players of the national cricket team have outclassed their competitors in every field as their game was up to mark with efficient team work.

The interim Punjab CM said that Muhammad Sarfaraz and his whole team deserves a round of applause for this victory.

Published in Daily Times, July 9^th 2018.