The Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) emergency meeting summoned to address the escalating security situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has ended.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, caretaker Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz announced that the general elections in the country, scheduled for February 8, will not be delayed and proceed as per plan.
He further said that security would be provided for the elections across the country.
The meeting, presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, reviewed the security situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“No one should have any doubts about the elections,” the interior minister said, stressing that the polls would be held on February 8.
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Ejaz maintained that the incidents of violence in Balochistan and KP were meant to scare the population. In this regard, the ECP directed to take appropriate security measures in the two provinces.
The meeting was briefed by the caretaker interior minister, and the police chiefs of KP and Balochistan.
The meeting, scheduled for 3pm at the ECP office, saw the participation of key figures, including the interior minister, interior secretary, chief secretaries, and inspector generals of both provinces.
Concerns have been heightened following a series of blasts that rocked various cities in Balochistan earlier today.
The electoral watchdog has taken immediate notice of the incidents and has requested a detailed report from the Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Balochistan regarding the unfortunate events.
Earlier, in a late-night meeting to evaluate the situation in Balochistan and KP, Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja asserted that despite the challenges, there is no intention to postpone the upcoming elections in the affected provinces.
Also Read: ECP summons huddle amidst deteriorating security situation in Balochistan, KP
He emphasised that a comprehensive report on the security situation has been sought from relevant institutions, and crucial decisions will be made after reviewing the findings in the upcoming meeting.
The election commission's proactive stance underscores its commitment to ensuring the democratic process in the face of security concerns.
