ECP ask Punjab govt to provide security for election candidates

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Expressing concern over reports of harassment and threats to election candidates of Pakistan Muslim League-N, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Sunday requested the Punjab government to provide security to election candidates. In a letter to Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Dr Hasan Askari, the ECP secretary has said that free and fair polls can only be achieved in a conducive law and order environment. The letter stated that the relevant officials were made aware earlier of threats to political leaders and contesting candidates. "It appears, unfortunately, that concerned authorities have yet to take the bull by the horns," the letter also stated. "It appears, unfortunately, that concerned authorities have yet to take the bull by the horns," it further said. In his letter, the ECP directed to the Punjab government for providing security to the election candidates. he photocopies of the letter was sent to three prime ministers and the chief secretaries. Earlier, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has said that the PML-N candidates are being threatened with dire consequences. He said that they had not learnt a lesson from their mistakes. He asked the ECP and the Caretaker PM to take notice of forcing candidates to change their loyalties. “Threats hurled to our candidate Rana Iqbal Siraj in Multan. He was slapped as well,” he said. The former premier said that only the PML-N was being targeted. He said that such steps will be harmful for the country. Nawaz Sharif said that their representatives are being insulted.