ECP expresses fear of terrorism during LG polls, issues schedule for third phase

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has on Monday expressed fear of terrorism during the local government elections in Punjab and Sindh. The Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Raza presided over an important meeting of ECP in Islamabad on Monday the, which was attended by the Chief Secretaries of both provinces, IG Punjab, IG Sindh and Seretary local government. The Chief Election Commissioner directed the provincial governments to ensure fair and transparent local elections. Talking to media after the meeting, Secretary Election Commission Babar Yaqoob said that the IG’s of both provinces have expressed fear of terrorism during the local government elections, adding that the decision to depute Rangers will be taken later. He said that said ban has been imposed on appointment and transfer of officers in Punjab and Sindh. The Secretary Election Commission said that Imran Khan being a member National Assembly can not take part in the election campaign. In his remarks, the Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Raza assured that electoral code of conduct will be implemented in letter and spirit for the holding of free and fair local government elections in the two provinces. On the other hand, the Election Commission of Pakistan on Monday issued schedule for third phase of Local Government elections in 12 districts of Punjab and six district of Karachi. According to the ECP schedule, Elections in Punjab’s Rajanpur, DG Khan, Muzzafargarh, Jhang, Sialkot, Narowal, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Rawalpindi, Layyah, Khushab and Multan districts will be held in the last phase. According to the schedule polling in Sindh’s six districts Karachi West, Karachi East, South, Central, Korangi and Malir will be held in the third phase of the elections. The ECP has already announced schedule for phase one and phase two. The first phase of polling will be held in 20 districts of both provinces on October 31, while second phase of polling will be held in 27 districts of both provinces on November 19.