Poor law & order to affect voter turnout, fears Sherpao

CHARSADDA: Expressing concern over the worsening law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao on Thursday said that the incidents of terrorism were taking place in various parts of the province, making it difficult for the candidates to reach out to the electorate.

Talking to reporters after submitting nomination papers for National Assembly constituency NA-24 here, he said the prevailing poor law and order would affect the turnout in the upcoming general election slated for February 8, 2024. He urged the government to take measures ahead of the elections to maintain law and order as the increasing incidents of terrorism had created an atmosphere of fear among the people.

QWP provincial Chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao and other party leaders were also present on the occasion. Sikandar Sherpao submitted nomination papers for provincial assembly constituency PK-62.

Earlier, QWP head Aftab Sherpao travelled from his village Sherpao to the office of the returning officer in Tangi in a huge convoy of vehicles to submit his nomination papers. A large number of QWP workers holding party flags also travelled along the caravan.

Aftab Sherpao recalled that in 2018 a certain political party was imposed on the people and the rest of the political forces were not provided a level-playing field, adding that the people had to bear the brunt of the unfair election.

He said that the government should play its role to create an enabling environment for the polls. All the political parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, should be facilitated to participate in the election, he went on to add.

"Keeping a political party out of the election is not the right approach," he argued.

Questioning the logic behind the call for replacing the head of the Election Commission of Pakistan, Aftab Sherpao opposed the demand for the removal of the chief election commissioner, saying that the election process had started, therefore, it must not be disrupted.