On Tuesday, the Caretaker Interior Minister, Sarfraz Ahmad Bugti, assured that the ECP would receive “full security” to conduct the general elections in a peaceful environment. Speaking with a private television channel, the interim minister emphasized that the caretaker government is committed to taking necessary measures to provide all essential facilities to the ECP, ensuring transparent general elections.
This statement follows the ECP’s request for assistance from the Pakistan Army to maintain law and order during the upcoming polls scheduled for February 8, 2024. Acknowledging the security concerns, the ECP informed the interior ministry of a significant shortfall of over 270,000 police personnel, prompting the request for the army’s assistance in a “static mode.”
Despite concerns raised by some political parties about the feasibility of holding elections, the ECP clarified its intention to proceed with the polls on the designated date. The minister urged political parties to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing timely information about public gatherings or meetings for their election campaigns. According to the caretaker interior minister, this cooperation would enable security institutions to make better arrangements for such events.
Addressing the rising incidents of terrorism in various parts of the country, Bugti stated that LEAs are “fully alert” to control the menace of terrorism. He emphasized that security institutions are taking all possible steps to counteract terrorism and thwart attempts to disrupt the peaceful environment in Pakistan.
