Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi urged on Friday President Dr Arif Alvi to fully embody his role as the "symbol of the federation" and fulfil constitutional responsibilities without aligning with any specific political party.
In a post on the social media platform X, Solangi emphasised the country's collective desire for the president to project a non-partisan image, especially in the lead-up to the upcoming elections. He expressed concerns about statements made by President Alvi, noting a potential conflict with his constitutional role.
While acknowledging the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) diligence and responsibility in conducting electoral processes, Solangi pointed out that the president's remarks seemed to deviate from the expected neutrality required for his position.
With the election date already announced and political activities in progress within constitutional parameters, Solangi found the president's complaint about the absence of a level playing field regrettable. He also highlighted that those advocating for fairness inadvertently contributed to chaos.
The minister expressed hope that President Alvi will allow the electoral watchdog to carry out its duties independently, ensuring a transparent and smooth electoral process.
پوری قوم کی خواہش ہے کہ صدر مملکت جناب عارف علوی صاحب وفاق کی علامت کے طور اپنے فرائض سر انجام دیں اور ایسا تاثر نہ دیں جس سے لوگ انہیں ایک جماعت کے ترجمان کے طور پر دیکھیں۔ بدقسمتی سے جیسے جیسے ہم انتخابات کے قریب جا رہے ہیں صدر مملکت کے بیانات ان کے آئینی کردار سے متصادم نظر آ…
— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) November 10, 2023
– PM Kakar assures CEC of all-out support –
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections in the country.
During a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja today in Islamabad, the interim premier assured the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of comprehensive support, including the provision of all necessary resources for the upcoming general elections.
Chief Election Commissioner Raja, in his briefing to the Prime Minister, detailed the preparations made by the Election Commission for the conduct of the general elections.
He also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit the ECP office to personally review the preparations for the crucial electoral event.
Raja informed Mr Kakar that the ECP has already prepared lists of polling stations and polling staff.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the process of updating electoral lists is in its final stages and will soon be dispatched to all respective districts, ensuring that the electoral rolls are up-to-date and accurate.
In response, Prime Minister Kakar assured Chief Election Commissioner Raja of the caretaker government's wholehearted support in providing the necessary funds and security arrangements to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
