Solangi emphasises fair media access, equal treatment for all parties ahead of polls
Pakistan
Solangi emphasises fair media access, equal treatment for all parties ahead of polls
ISLAMABAD (APP) – Caretaker Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi stated on Saturday that no country in the world grants media access to individuals involved in serious crimes.
Speaking to an Indian media outlet, the minister mentioned that the former chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had been convicted, and his conviction remained in effect. "He remains convicted and charged with serious crimes."
"As we speak, the PTI remains a registered political party, and if people bring them into the federal and provincial assemblies, the caretaker government has no problem. It's the people of Pakistan who have to make this decision," the minister remarked.
Responding to a query, he clarified that all political parties were being treated equally, as the state had no favourites. The state media was providing due coverage to all political parties, he added.
Regarding the upcoming elections on Feb 8, Solangi stated, "So far, the only constitutional body entrusted with holding free and fair elections is the Election Commission of Pakistan, which stands committed to holding the elections on Feb 8."
He expressed the caretaker government's commitment to supporting the ECP in every possible way for the elections. "We will support the Election Commission in administrative, financial and security matters."
The minister noted that every political party portrayed itself as a victim. "If you ask PTI, they will say we are not getting a level-playing field, especially in Punjab and KP. If you ask the Pakistan Peoples Party, they will say we are not getting a level-playing field in Punjab."
"Likewise, if you ask PML-N, they will say we are not getting a level-playing field in Sindh. If you ask Maulana Fazlur Rehman of the JUI-F, they will say we are not getting a level-playing field in Balochistan and KP due to security issues," the minister remarked.
Regarding Pakistan and Afghanistan relations, Solangi stated that it squarely depended on the behavior and actions of the interim government of Afghanistan. "If they continue to harbor terrorists, including TTP, I am afraid the future of those relations does not seem right," he remarked.
