QUETTA: The newly appointed Provincial Election Commissioner, Balochistan, Mohammad Naeem Majeed Jaffar, took over the charge of his new assignment and started discharging his duties.

Speaking at a meeting of the officers of the Provincial Election Commission on Tuesday, he said that all steps would be taken to increase the ratio of women participation in the electoral process.

Expressing concern over the low participation and registration of women as voters, Mr Jaffar said no leniency would be shown in this regard and that every officer should demonstrate responsibility.

He further said that female staff of the ECP would be mobilised to encourage women at community level to take their part in the election process.

He ordered senior officials to visit district offices and submit reports regarding performance of officials at district levels and that the participation of women members be assured to increase the registration of women as voters.

“No negligence will be tolerated in the discharging of duties,” the Provincial Election Commissioner said, adding that with joint efforts, the maximum participation of women in the electoral process would be ensured.

Published in Dawn, March 8th, 2017