CEC CONGRATULATES GOVT. OF NWFP FOR MAKING FOOLPROOF SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS IN BYE ELECTIONS
Islamabad, the 1st February, 2010.- The Secretary ECP, Mr. Ishtiak Ahmad Khan has said that Mr. Justice (R) Hamid Ali Mirza, Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan has congratulated the Govt. of NWFP for making foolproof security arrangements in Swat and Mansehra which ensured peaceful polls during bye-elections of constituencies No. NA-21 Mansehra-II and PF-84 Swat-IV on January 28, 2010. Furthermore, the CEC lauded the cooperation extended and patriotic role played by all segments of the society and expressed the confidence that the same spirit would prevail on all occasions in future as well.
The Secretary ECP also said that the Hon’ble CEC greatly appreciates the high Standards of professionalism and deep commitment to duty displayed by all law enforcement agencies in terms of maintaining peace and tranquility in these areas, and the dedication shown by all engaged for election duties especially the officials of Election Commission.
The understanding, tolerance, and maturity shown by all political parties has set an example to be followed in future too.
The balanced and positive coverage both by electronic as well as print media needs to be recognized by all as a clear signal that this fourth informal organ of the state would foil all attempts by vested interests to create confusion and chaos and would work toward bringing about harmony in the country.
The Secretary also said that, above all, the people of these areas have proved once again that if all organs of the state and institutions of the Government discharge their responsibilities to serve the nation, the people would stand shoulder to shoulder with them in this sacred mission.
Furthermore, as to the ECP, keenly aware of the people’s desire to strengthen democracy in Pakistan as the only political mechanism available for resolution of issues and settlement of differences of opinion, it would take all possible steps to discharge its Constitutional obligations honestly and would not allow any obstacle to stand in the way of holding free, fair and transparent elections up to the expectations of the nation.
And, finally, the world must also note the desire and determination of this nation to have peace and democracy in Pakistan as, by standing together, it has held peaceful polls in areas where Hobbesian state of nature was order of the day just a year back. It has proved that it is capable of surmounting all difficulties, including the ones that it is currently faced with, and would certainly succeed in materializing its resolve to have peace and democracy which is a precondition for prosperity and progress.