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Elections security
The recent tragic incident in Turbat, Balochistan, where a policeman lost his life in an armed attack on the Regional Election Commissioner’s Office, serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges plaguing the lead-up to the general election. Despite assurances from the caretaker government to prioritise candidate safety and maintain law and order, such incidents pose a significant threat to the electoral process.
The earlier attacks by terrorists in Ziarat, Kharan and some electoral districts in Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa (KP), are particularly sensitive and vulnerable to militant elements whose sole purpose is to disrupt peace and the election process, highlight the urgent need for robust security measures as we approach the 8th February general election. The commitment to a transparent election must be met with unwavering efforts to ensure the safety of candidates and voters. Despite the assurances of caretaker chief ministers of the concerned provinces for enhanced security measures, the recent attacks highlight the existing vulnerabilities. Without a secure environment, the democratic rights of citizens are jeopardised and the credibility of the electoral process is compromised.
Ensuring fair and free elections in Balochistan requires a comprehensive strategy addressing both immediate security concerns and underlying causes of attacks. Investigations must be swift, thorough, and transparent, with authorities collaborating closely with local communities and intelligence agencies to neutralize threats. The seven-member committee constituted by Caretaker PM Anwaarul Haq Kakar must oversee security arrangements, extending its mandate to promote cooperation among political parties, law enforcement and the local populace.
By addressing the root causes and implementing robust security measures, we can create an environment that not only ensures the safety of candidates and voters but also strengthens the foundations of democracy in the country. It must be an ideal security situation in the country for the conduct of elections to establish democratic process leading towards Political as well as Economic stability in the country.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Kech challenges
Kech is a remote and underdeveloped region with limited access to resources and opportunities. This can make it difficult for individuals to emerge as strong political leaders due to various factors such as a lack of infrastructure, poverty, illiteracy and social unrest. However, there are still many dedicated individuals working towards improving the situation in Kech through various means, including community-based initiatives and advocacy efforts.
It’s essential to recognize that leadership development requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of societal issues. Therefore, addressing the underlying problems in Kech, such as poverty, inequality and poor governance, is crucial to fostering the growth of strong and effective political leaders in the region.
Jamal Baloch
Kech
Commendable interaction
Recent interactions by top military brass with students of various universities is a bold and welcome move. In a time of polarised political opinion as well as harsh opinions and judgements extolled on social media, the decision to do this was made with the clear knowledge and realisation that with it would come a barrage of critical questions and the reporting of that as well. Knowing full well that the youth in the gathering would have no qualms expressing strong opinions, leadership not only engaged with them but also encouraged them to ask as many questions as they wanted.
Questions asked were responded to with patience and grace, with no information held back, and with the motivation that the young people in the crowd and the speakers are both on the same side. There is no difference of political opinion that can divide their unity. Difference in political opinion can be welcomed, debated in a healthy environment and also reconciled with, if the interacting sides have the will and desire to do so. To take a critical audience head-on is a test of strength and forbearance and a demonstration of the capacity to tolerate even an unsavoury opinion of oneself in the interest of a healthy debate. If we are to plan our future, such interactions will give young students an opportunity to engage directly with top leadership.
They may be surprised that their opinion of them, formed on the basis of talk shows, vlogs is ill-informed and that engagement and reconciliation as well as charting a mutually agreed way forward, is possible. Social media mainly controlled by PTI is misleading youths with wrong perception of politics as well. The move is to be appreciated. While thinking of the future, we cannot ignore our youths, in whose hopes and dreams lies our horizon. These engagements must continue.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
