The Election Commission of Pakistan and the government have said that Pak-Iran tension would not affect the general elections slated for February 8 and its schedule.
To a query, if the border tension between Pakistan and Iran would affect the polls and its schedule, the ECP spokesperson said the commission was determined and focused on holding elections as scheduled and on the announced date.
“The ECP is busy in preparation for the elections and there is no proposal or consideration about reviewing the election date because of the Pak-Iran tension.
“We are working as usual and all is set to hold elections on February 8,” he said.
Information Minister Murtaza Solangi when approached also said that elections will be held on time. He said that the Pakistan-Iran tension will not affect the elections and its schedule.
The minister believed that the situation between Pakistan and Iran would now start tode-escalate. He lamented that certain elements including some from the media are trying to use all sorts of excuses to see the crisis, with China, Russia, and Turkey actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. The Iranian foreign ministry, in a late evening statement on Thursday, reaffirmed its commitment to good neighbourly ties with Pakistan and expressed its resolve not to allow external elements to strain the longstanding relationship.
Both countries agreed to lower tensions after the neighbours carried out drone and missile strikes on militant bases inside each other’s territory earlier in the week. Both sides signalled a desire to de-escalate tensions, according to a statement from the Foreign Office. FM Jilani expressed Pakistan’s readiness to work with Iran on all issues based on spirit of mutual trust and cooperation.
