LAHORE, Oct 17: Like all provincial and district headquarters, the National Voters Day was also observed in the city under the aegis of the Election Commission on Wednesday.
A seminar was organised which was chaired by Punjab Election Commissioner Mahboob Anwar. Justice Javed Iqbal (retired) was the chief guest while rights activist Husain Naqi, political analyst Dr Rasool Bakhsh Rais and Mujeebur Rehman were the main speakers.
The event marked the official launch of EC’s voter education campaign and was observed across the country, highlighting the commission’s commitment towards increasing voters’ participation in the electoral process.
Speakers highlighted the importance of vote in political and social change and urged the masses to register themselves as voters and take advantage of the commission’s SMS service (8300) for confirming their registration.
They said all Pakistanis should come forward and check their votes’ detail or for correction of particulars, or for filing a compliant against any entry in the electoral rolls.
They hoped the voters’ awareness campaign launched by the EC would result in an increased voters turnout in the elections.
They emphasised that an accurate electoral roll is the first step towards free and fair elections, and that the electoral roll should not only contain the names of all eligible voters but also mention the place of voting.
Some NGOs, including Aurat Foundation, also held separate ceremonies to mark the day.
Meanwhile, the Sangat Development Foundation arranged a rally outside the Lahore Press Club.