PM urges Govt to probe complaints about hurdles in electoral process

Alleged snatching of nominating papers sparks row between ECP, Punjab police

ECP committed to provide level playing fields to all political parties, EC of Punjab

ISLAMABAD _Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has assured that the government would investigate the complaints about hurdles to stop some people from taking part in the electoral process, Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday.

In an interview with a private TV channel, he said people are free to vote for the candidates of their choice and there is no policy to oust anyone from the political process.

He said in his opinion those who showed disruptive behavior and were involved in the incidents of May 9 should not be allowed to hold public office.

However, he said, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will decide about the qualification and disqualification of candidates.

The premier said the state is a guarantor of social order, and anyone who challenges it is anarchist. Talking about the protesters from Balochistan who came to Islamabad, he said everyone had the right to protest with lawful behavior.

However, if a situation of law and order is created then law enforcement agencies would take action.

Referring to the situation in Palestine, he said Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was a war criminal and war crimes of Israel should be investigated as 7000 children were martyred.

While The provincial head of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in Punjab contacted the Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) on Sunday to protest alleged police interference in the electoral process.

Punjab Chief Election Commissioner Saeed Gul told IGP Usman Anwar the ECP would not tolerate meddling in the work of its officers and that ensuring a level play field was vital for holding free and fair elections,

Gul acted after Lahore district electioneer commissioner, Abdul Wadood Khan, sent him a letter reporting alleged interference in the work of returning officers (ROs).

In his letter to Saeed Gul, the Lahore district election commissioner said that he had “received multiple complaints from the returning officers of district Lahore regarding interference of law & enforcement agencies especially police department in the official assignments of returning officers.”

Wadood said he tried to contact police officials over phone and passed on [to the police], but in vain. Therefore, he said, the provincial election commissioner should contact the chief secretary and the IGP, said the letter. Apparently, Gul made the telephone call to IGP Anwar after receiving the letter.

While,

Election Commissioner of Punjab Saeed Gul has contacted IGP Punjab Dr Usman Anwar telephonically over the complaints of snatching nomination papers from candidates.

He asked IGP Punjab to take necessary steps in this regard. Saeed Gul said that providing level playing fields to all political parties and candidates is the responsibility of the Election Commission.

On his part, the IGP Punjab assured the Provincial Election Commissioner of full cooperation.