ECP asks foreign ministry to invite international observers

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan Monday asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately invite all international observers to observe upcoming polls in the country and complete this process within a week.

An inter-ministerial meeting was held here at the ECP, which was presided over by Commission Secretary Omar Hamid Khan, and attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Federal Board of Revenue and other relevant agencies.

In addition, joint election commissioners of the four provinces, who have been appointed as focal persons for observers, also attended the meeting, which discussed inviting foreign observers and related matters. The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Dr Syed Asif Hussain, Zafar Iqbal Hussain and senior officers.

The ECP secretary said that the Commission has decided that international observers will be welcomed from all over the world under the Open Door Policy of elections in Pakistan and the ECP will support them and give them access to the election process to ensure the transparency of the election.

He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately invite all international observers to come to the elections as observers and complete this work within a week through the Pakistan Foreign Mission, while directing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expedite the visa process of all international observers and make it possible for observers wishing to come to Pakistan within a week.

He said visas should be given so that they can come to Pakistan within their required period without any hindrance. The secretary directed the Ministry of Interior and other agencies to ensure the security of all international observers, and all security related matters should be completed within two weeks.

The FBR was directed to exempt all equipment, including media representatives, from Customs duty and ensure all possible assistance to them. In this regard, an action committee will be formed which will be received after every 15 days.