‘Free, fair general elections will be held on time’

Punjab caretaker minister says no truth to rumours of delay

LAHORE: Free, fair and transparent general elections will be held on time; there is no truth to the rumours regarding a delay, said Punjab Caretaker Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Law Affairs Barrister Ali Zafar on Tuesday.

He expressed these views while speaking to media after distributing cheques among the various bar councils and associations at the Lahore High Court (LHC) Bar. He gave assurances that all out efforts were being made to hold the elections on time, adding that there was no chance of a delay.

He also stated that the FATA merger was a historical decision. The same fundamental laws that are enjoyed by citizens in the rest of the country will now be applicable in the area.



At present, there are no courts and administrative facilities in the area. The interim government has formed an implementation committee in addition to various sub-committees in order to expedite the merger, the minister revealed.

While responding to a query about the provincial assembly elections in the area, Zafar said that elections will be held in one year as written in the constitution. The matter is also being reviewed by the Supreme Court, he added.

Regarding Pakistanis living abroad, he said that the Election Commission of Pakistan was committed towards taking steps in order to help these individuals cast their vote. Step should be taken in this regard for which modern technology can be used, he stressed.  

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2018.