Information Minister Murtaza Solangi on Friday reiterated the caretaker government’s commitment to providing a level-playing field to all registered political parties in the upcoming general elections, assuring an impartial treatment to all political groups during campaigning.
Addressing a news conference alongside Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, Solangi said that the caretaker government’s tenure was extended a little bit because of the approval of the fresh census results by the Council of Common Interests (CCI).
Solangi welcomed the announcement by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) that the polling would take place in the last week of January next year, which he added, had ended any propaganda against the caretaker government.
He pointed that Article 51 (5) of the Constitution stated that elections would be held after delimitation of the constituencies in line with the latest census.
Currently, he added, the ECP was actively engaged in the delimitation process.
The ECP would announce the preliminary results of the process on Nov 27, while the final results were set for release on Nov 30, he said.
“In accordance with the Elections Act, the ECP will have to give 54 days to political parties for their election campaigns,” he added.
The minister underscored the role of an independent and empowered ECP in holding the free, fair, and transparent elections. He added the caretaker government would require the ECP’s approval for transfer and postings.
He stressed that the institutions were functioning freely.
Solangi said that the caretaker government had nothing to do with Nawaz Sharif’s matter, adding that his cases were in the court, therefore, it would be inappropriate to speculate on the issue.
He stressed that all citizens were entitled to their fundamental rights.
Solangi said the government was actively working to address the issues of the media workers. He confirmed the lawful arrest of journalist Khalid Jamil and emphasised adherence to constitutional and legal procedures, including producing individuals before the court within 24 hours.
To a query, the minister expressed his commitment to pursuing justice in the Jan Muhammad Mahar murder case, noting that he had personally raised the matter with the interim Sindh chief minister.
As regards to the criticisms of Fawad Hasan Fawad, the minister highlighted that Fawad, as a civil servant, had worked with various governments.
Solangi also clarified that Fawad had no political affiliations.
(WITH INPUT FROM APP)
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