The February 18 general elections in the country would be held in a free, fair and impartial manner. This was announced in a statement of the Election Commission of Pakistan issued here on Sunday.
Secretary, Election Commission of Pakistan, Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad, informed that a meeting of the Election Commission was held under the chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan former Justice Qazi Muhammad Farooq.
The meeting was attended by members, Justice Nasim Sikandar, Judge, Lahore High Court, Justice Ahmed Khan Lashari, judge, High Court of Balochistan, Justice Ghulam Dastagir A. Shahani, Judge, High Court of Sindh and Justice Jehan Zaib Rahim, Judge, Peshwar High Court.
The Secretary Election Commission further said the Election Commission reviewed and expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made so far, for holding free, fair, impartial an credible elections in a peaceful atmosphere.
Besides, the Commission considered the request for change of symbol form certain contesting candidates and declined the requests due to administrative and logistical implications as the ballot papers have already been printed, sealed and kept in safe custody.
The Election Commission also considered the requests for extension of date to issue Postal Ballot Papers, which was declined for the reason that only the date of poll had been extended, which could have no bearing on other stages of the electoral process.
The Election Commission also discussed some other issues, regarding application for deletion of names from ballot papers on the basis of retirement. Secretary, Election Commission of Pakistan said such requests were considered by the Election Commission at Length and were declined.
While considering the details of intra-party elections submitted by 10 political parties, who fulfilled the requirements as laid down in the political Party Order 2002 and the rules framed there-under, it was decided that the same may be published in the official Gazette and placed on record.
The Election Commission resolved that the up-coming general elections will be held on February 18, 2008, honestly, justly fairly and in accordance with the law.