ECP, govt promise polls on Feb 8 despite Pak-Iran tension

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) says that despite Pak-Iran tension it is focused on holding elections on Feb 8.

The ECP spokesman was approached by The News whether the present tension between Pakistan and Iran will affect the Feb 8 polls and the election schedule, he said the ECP is still determined and focused on holding elections as scheduled and on the announced date. He said that the ECP is busy in preparation of the elections and there is no proposal or consideration about reviewing the election date because of the Pak-Iran tension.

“We are working as usual and all set to hold elections on Feb 8,” said the spokesman.

Information Minister Murtaza Solangi when approached also said that elections will be held on time. He said that the Pak-Iran tension will not affect the elections and its schedule. The minister believed that the situation between Pakistan and Iran will now start de-escalating. He lamented that certain elements including some from the media are trying to use all sorts of excuses to see the elections delayed, which Solangi assured will be held on Feb 8.

When asked about the security requirements needed to hold the elections, the information minister said that the government will provide the required security to the ECP for the holding of elections in a peaceful manner. “There is now no back stepping from general elections on the announced date,” assured the minister.