LARKANA, Jan 26: The caretaker provincial home minister Brig. (Rtd) Akhtar Zamin on Saturday urged the candidates of different political parties running for national and provincial assembly seats to follow code of conduct framed by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Talking to candidates and leaders of Pakistan People’s Party, PPP-SB, Pakistan Muslim League, PML-F, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Sunni Tehrik, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl and independents the minister said that the government was determined to hold free, fair and transparent elections on Feb 18.

He said that the government had taken all possible measures to ensure that the voters cast votes in a peaceful atmosphere and without any hindrance.

He assured party leaders that no innocent worker would be arrested but the government would not tolerate criminals at any cost and establish writ of law.

He termed the assassination of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto a tragic incident and a national loss, which had shocked people all over the country.

Mr Zamin said that the government believed in strengthening the democratic system in the country and urged the candidates to demonstrate tolerance.

He directed the Larkana DPO to curb crime particularly motorcycle snatching in the district and instructed the DCO to get the encroachment in small industries area removed.

Our Jacobabad correspondent adds: Mr Zamin said during his visit to the district the same day that army would be put on high alert during the elections and the government would not allow rigging or any unlawful activity.

He assured candidates of different political parties who expressed fears about rigging that elections would be fair and transparent.

He said that miscreants who looted and plundered private and public property on Dec 27 and 28 would be dealt with in accordance with law and innocent people would be released soon.

To a complaint about fake votes having been registered in villages and city, the minister said that scrutiny of votes would be conducted and if any person was found involved, he would be taken to task.