Following a pivotal meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan regarding the security concerns in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Caretaker Interior Minister Dr Gohar Ejaz said on Thursday that the elections would be held on February 8 “come what may.”
The development comes a day after the assassination of a National Assembly independent candidate in Bajaur district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the killing of an ANP activist in Balochistan’s Qilla Abdullah.
“There should be no ambiguity in anyone’s mind about the elections [on February 8]. The ECP and the caretaker government will ensure the conduct of elections, and they will take place on February 8 under all circumstances,” he said while speaking to the media following the ECP meeting. The meeting, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, saw the participation of key officials, including Secretary Election Commission Dr Asif Hussain, Caretaker Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz, Interior Secretary Aftab Akbar Durrani, chief secretaries of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and inspector generals.
Representatives from intelligence agencies were also present to provide briefings on the security situation. Gohar presented a comprehensive overview of the security conditions in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with reports placed before the ECP officials. The interior minister said that the incidents of lawlessness in Balochistan and K-P were aimed at creating fear among the masses.
He said that the security agencies have implemented robust security arrangements in all four provinces and people should cast their votes with confidence as the elections will strengthen stability in the country.
