CM assures all facilities at polling stations

Says fundamental responsibility of caretaker set up is to hold fair elections

LAHORE: All necessary facilities will be provided at polling stations, located in public schools, for the upcoming general elections, said Caretaker Chief Minister Dr Hasan Askari.

He was addressing a meeting held at the Chief Minister's Office on Thursday to review arrangements.

Dr Askari said the fundamental responsibility of the caretaker setup is to hold free, fair and transparent elections. "We have to fulfill our national obligation without any discrimination, while long-term planning will be the job of the next elected government."

The chief minister said developed nations had provided abundant resources for their health and education sectors. The Asian nations, which were behind us, have excelled by spending sufficient funds for these sectors. "Missing facilities will be provided as soon as possible in schools where polling stations will be set up. Provision of missing facilities within the stipulated period is our responsibility and it is also very important for free and fair elections."



He directed officials that a report should be presented by completing the necessary infrastructure of polling stations at schools. He also ordered the immediate release of the non-salary budget (NSB) for schools. The caretaker CM added the NSB should also be released for salaries of part-time teachers working double shifts in schools.

"Salaries should be given to teachers well in time and no delay can occur. Necessary facilities for the upcoming elections, which are planned on July 25 this year, should be ensured within the given framework,” he added.

The chief minister maintained that civil servants should adopt a positive approach and think professionally instead of aligning with any party. “They should be loyal to the state. Provision of the best facilities is the responsibility of every government,” he said. The caretaker CM added polling staff would have to perform their duties in a professional and impartial manner during the polling process and no complaint of any sort of political interference would be tolerated.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2018.