We are trying to maintain peace in Pakistan: Interim premier

Mir Hazar Khan Khoso urges people to vote on May 11, says there will be no delay in transfer of power.

ISLAMABAD: Our responsibility is to conduct free and fair elections peacefully, caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso said in his first address to the nation on Friday.

With a week left before the general elections on May 11, Khoso  assured the nation that the interim government will hand over power to the elected government without any delay, but urged the public to vote.

"I request you all to come out and vote on May 11."

After establishing that the interim government planned to follow the noble standards set by the founders, Khoso discussed the issues faced by Pakistan and what steps were being taken by his short term cabinet to counter them.

“We are trying to maintain peace in Pakistan,” he said in reference to the recent terrorist attacks on various political parties including the MQM, PPP and ANP. “No one will be allowed to derail democracy and I severely condemn the recent terrorist activities”

He also listed out efforts that the interim set up had taken to curb terrorism in their area.

“We have formulated quick action forces to handle any emergency that occurs during the general lections.”

“A cell has been formulated to gather sensitive information [regarding any attacks planned by militants or any other terrorist activity] and provide it to government which will take relevant action,” he revealed.

“Under special circumstances, the cell has the power to act of its own accord and maintain law and order.”

Khoso assured the nation that they were fully cooperating with the Election Commission of Pakistan and expressed his satisfaction over the fact that all political parties were actively participating in the upcoming elections.

“I toured Balochistan and Sindh to see law and order situation and am happy that all parties are taking part in the electoral process.”

Moving away from elections and security situation, the interim premier shed light on the efforts made by the government on other national issues.

“I have asked the relevant ministry to release funds of Rs35 billion to curb power outages. Furthermore, I’ve asked the WAPDA [Water and Power Development Authority] to ensure that there is no load shedding on general election day, starting from May 10 for 36 hours.”

“I have taken notice of rise in deaths due to measles. I am sure we will be able to control measles and polio,” he said speaking on the rise of deaths due to measles in Punjab.

“I am hopeful we will leave Pakistan with stable economy,” he said.