PPP leader suggests delaying polls in 'security-threatened areas'

Abdul Qadir Baloch proposes strategic delay in elections within sensitive areas instead of complete postponement

QUETTA:

Amid growing concerns over security challenges, PPP leader and former federal minister Abdul Qadir Baloch has proposed the postponement of elections in areas under security threats.

He suggested conducting by-polls in these constituencies at a later stage.

The suggestion comes after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Ghulam Ali's recent remarks highlighting the difficulties in conducting political activities in certain parts of KP and Balochistan due to the prevailing security situation.

Similarly, JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman recently expressed doubts regarding the feasibility of holding elections amidst what he termed a "deteriorating" security climate.

During an interview on a private news channel, PPP's Baloch argued for a strategic delay in elections within sensitive areas instead of a complete postponement of the polls.

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"In a nation with 236 seats, it is not appropriate to postpone elections for seven to eight seats and risk derailing the democratic process," he said.

He asserted that similar to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Balochistan was also facing threats from the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

“Attack by the TTP in Balochistan are way higher than those by Baloch separatists,” the PPP leader said, adding that Kalat, Mastung and neighbouring areas were often targeted by the outlawed organisation.

“The threats are imminent and the separatist elements do not believe in parliamentary politics,” Baloch said.

These elements were hindering election campaigns in the province, he said.

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The PPP leader further said that Bugti's public announcement regarding threats to Fazl was unnecessary. Bugti could have conveyed this information directly to the JUI-F leader instead of airing it through the media.

Baloch said that the government, cognisant of these threats, should step up to safeguard politicians nationwide and fulfil its duty in this regard.