KARACHI, Feb 1: Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd) Qazi Mohammad Farooq has said that the Election Commission of Pakistan is taking every step to ensure free, fair and transparent polls on Feb 18 in accordance with international standards.

“Strict action will be taken against anyone found indulging in rigging,” he said while presiding over a meeting of senior ECP officials held here on Friday. The meeting reviewed arrangements made so far for the upcoming general elections.

Responding to journalists’ queries after the meeting, retired Justice Farooq said the ECP had received no complaint so far from any DRO (district returning officer) of interference by any nazim in the election process. However, the complaints of various nature filed by candidates and political parties were being looked into and if any of them was found valid, the commission would take appropriate action. He said action would also be taken if a complaint against any nazim was received.

It was the ECP’s first meeting after the completion of its strength with members from Sindh and the NWFP joining it. The ECP is under tremendous pressure from political parties and civil society, besides the United States, European Union and other countries, to make foolproof arrangements to ensure that the Feb 18 elections are held in a free, fair and transparent manner.

Many political parties have been raising alarm over the very possibility of elections to be held since the Dec 27 assassination of the former prime minister and PPP chairperson, Ms Benazir Bhutto. Although the elections, originally fixed for Jan 8, were not cancelled, they were rescheduled for Feb 18.

However, the election campaigns by almost all participating parties and independent candidates lack the traditional fervour and enthusiasm.

Acts of terrorism, suicide bombings and violence in many cities and towns continuing unabated have also restrained political parties from organising big rallies and public meetings.Referring to the doubts and fears, the chief election commissioner categorically stated that the elections would be held on time and all possible measures were being taken to ensure peace during the process.

In reply to another question, Justice Farooq said that a list of sensitive polling stations was being prepared by the provincial governments. He said that maintenance of law and order at these polling stations was the responsibility of the respective provincial governments.

On Saturday, the ECP chief will chair another high-level meeting which will be attended ECP Secretary Kanwar Dilshad, Provincial Election Commissioner Qamar-uz-Zaman Chaudhry, all DROs and other officials.