Army do not have any link with elections, GHQ representative tells Senate committee
The representative clarified that the army is only working to improve the law and order situation.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – A representative of General Headquarters while briefing the Senate Standing Committee said that Pakistan Army has no connection with the General Elections 2018.
He clarified that the army is only working on the directions of Election Commission to improve the law and order situation in the country.
"We do not have a direct role in the polls. Armed forces have always provided support to civil departments," added the representative.
“Army is also performing duty at the printing press. At least 3,71,000 personnel will be deployed at the polling stations,” he further said.
PML-N Senator Kulsoom Parveen inquired about the number of troops being deployed in Balochistan. The GHQ representative replied, “We have analysed all the places in terms of security. Leave the planning to us. We know how many troops have to be deployed where. We have made the deployed as per requirement.”
He further said, “There is no problem in mutual communication. Unfortunately we also have to perform the duty of police until the improvement of their abilities.”
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“We have to work according to ECP’s code of conduct. At the time Afghan elections, we took extraordinary measures at this side of the border. Afghan president has assured the prime minister and Army chief of his cooperation in a telephone call. For us, the life of every citizen is precious,” asserted the representative.
The meeting headed by committee chairperson Senator Rehman Malik was also attended by Nacta coordinator, Inspector Generals of all four provinces, home secretaries, federal interior secretary, defense secretary and secretary Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Fateha was offered for the martyrs of Peshawar and Mastung blast at the beginning of the session.
Chairman of committee Rehman Malik while condemning the attacks said that the nation is saddened over the martyrdom of Haroon Bilour and Siraj Raisani.
“Unfortunately, the election campaign has not remained peaceful. Some enemy states are trying to destabilize Pakistan,” he maintained.
