ECP Reviews Security Amid Increased Terror Incidents

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is scheduled to convene a crucial meeting on Thursday to evaluate and enhance security measures leading up to the 2024 general elections. The meeting will involve discussions with the Minister and Secretary of the Interior, Chief Secretaries, Inspectors General of KP and Balochistan, and intelligence agency officials, aiming to address the rising violence and ensure the security of the electoral process.

The concerned authorities are expected to focus on the escalating violence in the country, particularly in the restive provinces of KP and Balochistan, where hundreds of deadly attacks have been attributed to a group that ended a ceasefire agreement with the Pakistani government a year ago. Recent incidents include an alleged attack on a Pakistan Air Force base in Mianwali, Punjab province, causing damage to three grounded aircraft.

Read more: PTI-Backed Candidate Rehan Zeb Khan Fatally Shot In Bajaur

As Pakistan, with a population of 240 million, approaches the general elections, the Election Commission aims to address the deteriorating law and order situation. The decision to hold this meeting comes in response to a surge in attacks on political rallies, prompting concerns about the safety and security of the electoral process. The brutal killing of Rehan Zeb Khan, an independent candidate for the National Assembly seat from Bajaur (NA-8), led to the postponement of elections in that constituency.

In light of the recent incidents, the ECP has directed the provincial chief secretary and inspector general of police to provide a detailed report on the attack on Rehan Zeb Khan. Other security-related incidents, such as a grenade attack on an ANP candidate’s house in Kech district and a bomb attack at a political party’s election office in Quetta, have also raised concerns.

Politicians in Pakistan have strongly condemned these attacks on election offices and candidates’ residences. They have expressed hope for a peaceful electoral process and emphasized the need for enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of candidates, political rallies, and election-related activities. The Election Commission has called for detailed reports from the relevant authorities to assess the security situation and take necessary measures to safeguard the electoral process.