PM defends civil servants after charges against ROs

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar Monday came to defence of civil servants in the wake of allegations that the returning officers played role in rigging February 8 elections.

The PM, in a statement issued here, said the state would defend the civil servants in discharge of their constitutional duties against violent elements, who were using pressurising tactics through social media and otherwise.

“The state of Pakistan shall defend the civil servants in discharging their constitutional duties, act against these violent trolls and ensure exemplary punishment to them,” the PM media wing said while quoting the PM.

Kakar said there should be no doubt about commitment of the state to these noble civil servants serving the state and the people of Pakistan. He said the people of Pakistan had spoken with a clear voice on February 8 and gave a split mandate, but some elements with proven track record of violent behaviour and vigilantism, were now using different tricks including weaponisation of social media in blackmailing and pressurising civil servants to switch their loyalties from the state of Pakistan to the violent gang.

“This action is clear violation of the Article 5 and other articles of the Constitution and the laws of the land,” he said.