Law and order: ECP blames past govts for security situation

Says the interim setup is here for only 50 days but the problem of terrorism is over a decade old.


Our Correspondent May 01, 2013
Says the interim setup is here for only 50 days but the problem of terrorism is over a decade old. PHOTO: AFP/FILE.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has blamed successive governments for the current law and order situation.

ECP and the caretaker government can plan only for a short period of about 50 days whereas the problem of terrorism has been wreaking havoc for more than a decade, said an ECP press release on Tuesday.

“Obviously some remedial measures had to be initiated and implemented in the past decade to provide security to life, property and honour on a permanent basis,” it said, adding that apparently nothing was done to achieve this goal.

Under the Constitution, the ECP is responsible for holding elections and all executive authorities are bound to assist the commission to fulfil its constitutional duty.

In this regard the ECP convened a meeting of the four provincial governments and the federal government on January 2 and again on April 25 where they assured of providing security to the candidates, political leaders, and all matters allied to the election activities.

Unfortunately, tragic events are taking place on a daily basis, the commission said.

Showing the way

ECP can only show a way, as the state's law enforcement apparatus is working under the federal and provincial governments.

ECP said it gave the copies of Report of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security to the federal ministers for interior, law, information and information technology in the last meeting, suggesting that the caretaker government should at least set up a mechanism for implementing this report.

ECP said that the report was presented by the Parliamentary Committee on National Security in 2009, but like other such reports it was also shelved.

The results of ignoring the report are evident. No one is making any effort to find a way out of the daily terror attacks except routine statements like: serious notice has been taken; authorities have sought a report in 24 or 48 hours; so much amount will be paid for dead and injured, and so on so forth. “The question is who we are kidding? All quarters concerned must realise that the helpless people are watching closely and that there is a limit to their patience!” the press release said.

Those who are dealing with the security should morally accept their failure and then better do something about it before it is too late, the ECP press release said.

COMMENTS (1)

Syed A. Mateen | 10 years ago | Reply

Every one knows that how long law and order situation is continuing in the country. ECP does not need to elaborate on that.

Despite blaming the previous governments, ECP has never said that to call the Army for peaceful election on May 11, 2013 is a must? When every one knows as what are the security risks on Election Day.

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