KP CM sees ploy behind phase-wise polls in Punjab, Sindh

NOWSHERA: Chief Minister Pervez Khattak on Sundaysaid that holding the local government elections in Punjab and Sindh in phases was a bid to influence the subsequent polls.
Talking to reporters in Manki Sharif, he said that the provinces held the first phase elections in those districts which were their strongholds to influence voters in the remaining areas. “It is a kind of pre-poll rigging,” he said, adding that he had received a letter from Chief Election Commissioner but he wanted free and fair elections and opposed the idea of phase-wise elections.
Pervez Khattak recalled that the ruling parties in Punjab and Sindh had made hue and cry over the law and order during the local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “But they could not control the law and order in their respective provinces during the phase-wise elections while we held elections across the province simultaneously,” he said.
Responding to a question about anomalies in the relief activities in the earthquake affected areas, he said that Pakistan Army and district administration were doing the survey. He said that relief items might not have reached remote areas but the allegation of irregularities was unjust. “The relief and survey teams are doing their jobs with dedication and professionalism,” he added.
The chief minister thanked Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif and Corps Commander Peshawar Lt-Gen Hidayatur Rehman for assisting the affected families. The chief minister said that Rs3billion had been released for relief and rehabilitation activities and payment of compensation to the affectees had been initiated.