ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Tuesday clarified that it had neither directed the provincial nor federal government to withdraw security from the leadership of Awami National Party (ANP).

“In fact, the CEC (Chief Election Commissioner) and the members of the Election Commission fully support the demand from all political parties that necessary security be provided to all candidates by the Federal and Provincial Caretaker Governments,” said a press release issued here.

Earlier on Tuesday, 16 people including children, women, security officials and a journalist were killed in a Taliban militants’ attack on a political rally of ANP in Peshawar.

The ECP issued this clarification after taking notice of widespread media reports that quoted senior leaders of ANP saying the interim government and the ECP would be held responsible of any harm to his fellow leaders– APP/DawnNews