Solangi reiterates commitment to hold free, fair polls

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Friday reiterated the commitment of the government with regard to the holding of free, fair and transparent general elections on February 8 next year.

Ruling out any possibility of a delay, he said that the general elections would be held as per schedule already given by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Talking to media persons, he said that Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja did enjoy the confidence of majority of people and there was no question of his resignation.

To a question, Solangi said he could not comment on internal issues of political parties as the caretaker government wanted to maintain cordial relations with all political forces.

On a question about termination of service of some employees, he said that media channels initially gave feasibility reports to PEMRA, which was also required at the time of issuance of licence. He said that under PEMRA Amendment Act 2023, the jobs of journalists were protected.

Solangi assured that the government would take legal measures to protect the employment of journalists.

The minister said an unpleasant and unwarranted situation had arisen regarding the protesters from Balochistan and added that their demands were long-standing.

He said all women and children had been released besides most of the men, adding that their protection was being fully ensured.

He said that the committee, constituted by Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, was doing its work. Currently, the Balochistan governor was in Islamabad and consultations with him were underway, he added.

Earlier on Thursday, Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi had said that there was no candidate or party which was being favoured by the caretaker government during its constitutional tenure.

All registered political parties should be given a level playing field, said the minister while speaking in a television talk show.

He said equal coverage was being given to all registered political parties on state-owned television and radio, and the official news agency.