Protection demanded: ECP seeks security for staff, field officers

“Law and order in K-P, FATA and Balochistan remains unstable and it is a great source of worry for us,” says ECP.

PESHAWAR:

In a letter sent to district police officers (DPO) on Thursday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) sought increased security and protection for District Election Commissioners (DECs) and other field staffers.

The letter were sent following the target killing of DEC Ziaullah Qasmi by armed motorcyclists in Quetta. Qasmi was reportedly targeted by militants who are opposed to holding general elections.

“Law and order in Khyber-Pukthunkhwa (K-P), the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and Balochistan remains unstable and it is a great source of worry for us,” said an ECP official in Peshawar.

“We fear militants could target election commission officials in other parts of the country as well, which is why letters have been sent to concerned DPOs to protect our field officers and local staff against such types of attacks in the future.”  The official said they have not received a reply from the police, but are looking for foolproof security.



The ECP is also taking up the matter with Inspector Generals of Police of K-P and Balochistan, in addition to the federal and provincial governments, he added. DECs have been asked to exercise utmost care when in the field and visiting far-flung areas. They have also been advised to take police guards with them.

“Ziaullah was targeted in broad daylight in Quetta and that is why we are especially worried about militancy-hit areas,” the official said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 16^th, 2013.