Holding ‘free, fair’ polls top priority: CM

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Caretaker Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan has termed the holding of “free, fair and peaceful” elections in the province as the top most priority of his government, saying special attention would be paid to improve the overall law and order situation in the region.

The caretaker chief minister expressed these views while talking to the newly sworn-in provincial ministers who separately called on him at the CM House on Saturday.

Khan said the caretaker provincial government was fully aware of its responsibilities for holding elections in a peaceful and transparent manner, adding that the incumbent regime would leave no stone unturned while discharging its responsibilities in an admirable manner.

He stressed that the provincial setup would extend all support to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the purpose.

He vowed to resolve the financial issues faced by the provincial government and focus on good governance for better and effective utilisation of resources and curtail excess spending.

Khan said the financial issues of the province related to the Centre would be taken up at the federal level for their timely redressal.

He said efforts would be made to get the due share of province, including the newly merged districts, under the federal transfers, and expressed hope that the federal government, especially Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would extend assistance in this regard.

He urged the caretaker ministers to work assiduously and discharge their responsibilities whole-heartedly.

Petrol shortage

Meanwhile, the caretaker chief minister while taking notice of difficulties faced by the people in purchasing petroleum products in some cities directed the chief secretary to obtain reports from all the deputy commissioners.

Complaints emerged that some gas stations had suspended the supply of petrol to consumers after news of a possible hike in the prices of petroleum products circulated. The chief minister directed the authorities concerned to ensure uninterrupted supply of petrol to the people. He also sought a report about the availability of wheat flour across the province, saying the access to the commodity would be ensured at all costs.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29^th, 2023.