Manan Mandokhail:Â
QUETTA:Â Under the vigilant stewardship of Chief Secretary Balochistan, Shakeel Qadir Khan, a pivotal meeting convened on Thursday to strategize for the forthcoming by-elections and re-polls across various districts of the province. The gathering, chaired by Chief Secretary Khan, meticulously assessed the arrangements for ensuring the integrity of the electoral process in select constituencies.
Attended by key figures including Provincial Election Commissioner Muhammad Farid, Additional Chief Secretary Interior Zahid Saleem Afridi, and Secretary Local Government Noor Ahmed Perkani, alongside deputy commissioners and other pertinent officials participating via video link, the session delved into comprehensive reviews and proactive measures.
Discussions outlined the meticulous planning for upcoming by-elections in four circles in Kohlu and Killa Abdullah PB, with a further 50 in total, 20 in Khuzdar PB, and Lasbella PB. The elections are slated to unfold across 100 polling stations in Khuzdar, 129 in Lasbela, 125 in Qila Abdullah, and 4 in Kohlu, scheduled for April 21 and 24.
Chief Secretary Khan reiterated the unwavering commitment of the provincial government to orchestrate transparent and peaceful elections across the designated districts. Emphasizing the imperative of timely execution, he underscored directives for expeditious completion of all necessary arrangements.
In a bid to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process, Chief Secretary Khan implored political entities and candidates to extend their cooperation to district administrations. He stressed that collaborative efforts are pivotal in fostering an environment conducive to fair and transparent elections.
Moreover, Chief Secretary Khan mandated the provision of essential amenities such as water, washrooms, and electricity at all polling stations, with the installation of CCTV cameras mandated by the Election Commission to bolster transparency.
Acknowledging the indispensable role of logistical support, Chief Secretary Khan affirmed the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring adequate funds for transportation.
In a concerted effort to fortify security measures, Chief Secretary Khan announced the deployment of police, additional Levies forces, and Frontier Corps personnel to safeguard polling stations, ensuring the peaceful conduct of elections.
The gathering concluded with a resolute commitment to upholding the democratic process, with Chief Secretary Khan reaffirming the government’s dedication to facilitating a seamless and transparent electoral exercise.
