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Friday, April 12, 2013
Khoso appeals disgruntled Baloch to help govt on polls* PM directs provincial govt to adopt a proactive approach to give people confidence for exercising their right to cast vote without any fear
QUETTA: Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso on Thursday appealed to the political forces, especially the disgruntled Baloch, to cooperate with the government for the conduct of elections in a free and fair manner.
In a meeting held to review the arrangements made by the provincial government to maintain law and order and conduct general elections, the prime minister also urged the disgruntled Baloch leaders to submit to the will of the people irrespective of their differences with the government. The meeting was attended by Balochistan Caretaker Chief Minister Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Barozai, Balochistan Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Magsi, Chief Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad and heads of law enforcement agencies.
The meeting was told that despite the fact that the number of voters had decreased by one million, stringent security plan was in place. “All possible measures have been taken so that people may cast their votes in a peaceful environment,” they said. The meeting was told that an exercise has been carried out by provincial government to identify sensitive areas where extra security measures would be taken to ensure safety of the voters, candidates as well as the polling staff.
The prime minister was told that in view of the life threats faced by the election commission’s employees, special security arrangements have been made to firm up security of the polling staff, and the administration has chalked out contingency plan to avert any eventuality. Prime Minister Khoso directed the provincial government to adopt a proactive approach and interact with the media so that people can be given confidence and comfort for exercising their right to cast vote without any fear.
Stressing the need for restructuring the information department, he emphasised that it should mobilise the entire process carried out by the government enabling the people to know steps taken for the improvement of law and order and their welfare. The prime minister directed the provincial government to take all possible measures for holding inclusive and credible elections, and assured that “the federal government will extend all-out support to accomplish the task”.
Khoso also assured that the Ministry of Law and Parliamentary Affairs would be consulted to ensure due representation of Balochistan in the banking courts and NIRC. He said this while talking to the delegations of the Supreme Court Bar Association, Balochistan High Court Bar Association, and district bar associations which called on him at the Governor’s House. Commending the services of the legal fraternity for the prompt dispensation of justice and well-being of society, he called upon the lawyers to play their role in convincing people for taking part in the general elections.
“Lawyers posses an important status which should be used for persuading the registered voters who are reluctant to franchise the right of vote fearing poor law and order situation,” he stressed. The premier noted that local administration and law enforcement agencies have been directed to maintain peace so that people feel secure and elect the best candidates.
Meanwhile, a delegation of the Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) called on the caretaker prime minister and assured him of their full cooperation in holding polls in free, fair and peaceful manner. Also, Khoso announced Rs 0.5 million for the family of slain DSP Amir Mohammad Dasti and also promised that the government would bear all educational expenses of his children. The PM made the announcement while talking to the brother and children of late DSP.
The government of Balochistan on Thursday expressed concerns over European Union observers’ decision of not coming to Balochistan for monitoring the upcoming elections. The provincial governor and chief minister drew the attention of the prime minister to the decision of the European Union of not coming to Balochistan to monitor the arrangement for elections due to security reasons. They said that the government of Balochistan would provide high-level security to the EU observers during their monitoring of the electoral process. They asked the federal government to liaison with the EU and assure them that during their visit foolproof security would be provided to them and provincial officers and observes would also accompany them. agenciesCourtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk