KARACHI: Election Commission of Pakistan Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fateh Mohammad on Tuesday held a meeting with Sindh Chief Secretary retired Maj Azam Suleman Khan and reviewed arrangements being made by the provincial government to ensure implementation of code of conduct for the general elections 2018 and maintaining law and order in the province.

Arrangements for the provision of water, sewerage system, electricity and installation of closed-circuit television cameras at polling stations were also reviewed.

The ECP secretary expressed his satisfaction on the implementation of code of conduct and arrangements made as compared to other provinces.

In the meeting, which was attended by Provincial Election Commissioner (Sindh) Mohammad Yousuf Khan Khattak, IGP Sindh Amjad Saleemi, home secretary Haroon Ahmad Khan, services secretary Riazuddin Qureshi, Karachi Commissioner Mohammad Saleh Farooqui, AIG Police Mushtaq Mahar and other senior officers concerned, a briefing was given on the steps being taken for holding free and fair elections and for implementation of the code of conduct.

The chief secretary welcomed the encouraging remarks and assured the ECP secretary that measures were being taken to facilitate voting in peaceful manner and the law and order situation would be maintained comprehensively in the larger interest of the nation.

The chief secretary stated that all-out efforts were being made to ensure fair, free and transparent elections in Sindh and foolproof security arrangements had been finalised till the completion of election process.

Intelligence committees on provincial, divisional and district levels have been constituted to monitor and resolve the day-to-day issues to this effect.

The chief secretary further stated that the polling stations were being supplied with water, sewerage system, electricity, ramps to facilitate wheelchair users and other facilities, including installation of CCTV cameras, to ensure sanctity and transparency of the electoral process.

The chief secretary further stated that the Sindh government was working hard to create a peaceful environment in the province so that the maximum number of voters could come out on election day and participate in the electoral process.

Referring to various meetings held in connection with the election, Azam Suleman said that polling staff had been deputed and code of conduct was being strictly enforced and all other required arrangements were being finalised.

The chief secretary stated that the police, Rangers and Pakistan Army would assist the civil administration and the ECP for accomplishment of the election task.

The inspector general of Sindh police and the city commissioner also briefed the secretary of ECP regarding the arrangements.

Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2018