ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (Rtd) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso on Friday said that filing of nomination papers in large numbers by the prospective candidates is an encouraging trend and a testimony of the faith that the people have in the democratic process. He was chairing the maiden federal cabinet meeting. He said that the first phase of filing of nomination papers has completed smoothly and the enthusiasm in the election process showed by people and the candidates is quite commendable.
He said the government has limited resources but with a will and determination, it would make a significant contribution in the furtherance of national interests in which the substance of democratic process stands out prominently. “It is also encouraging that all political parties in Balochistan have chosen to participate in the election,” he added. “Now, we are moving to elect new federal and provincial governments. All the political forces, both in government as well as opposition, deserve appreciation for showing maturity to sustain the democratic process,” PM Khoso said.
The Prime Minister said keeping in view the law and order situation in the country, he had already issued instructions to the concerned ministry to coordinate with all the stakeholders to evolve contingency plans to check the possibility of any untoward incident during the election campaign and on the election day. “We should also extend full cooperation to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the provincial governments to ensure fairness and transparency of the electoral process,” he added. Referring to Article 224 of the Constitution, the Prime Minister said thatit provides a single-point mandate to the caretaker government which is to conduct election after dissolution of assemblies.
