The Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Dr Hasan Askari on Wednesday said that security of political leaders, candidates as well as the people is the first priority and cooperation of political parties and their candidates is essential to deal with the threat of terrorism. He said this while chairing a high-level meeting, in which matters relating to implementation of code of conduct and arrangements made for the security of the candidates and leading political leaders came under discussion.
The representatives of different political parties contesting the general elections were also present on the occasion. Addressing the meeting, Dr Hasan Askari said the political parties will gain equal opportunities due to peaceful atmosphere during the elections. "The candidates should ensure implementation on code of conduct of the election commission," he said, adding: "Political parties, candidates and the caretaker government are committed to achieve the collective objective of peaceful atmosphere. It's a sensitive occasion and a time to remain sane instead of becoming emotional."
He said that candidates can contact him, ministers or the local administration in case of any issue or the complaint. The caretaker government is making utmost efforts for the solution of every complaint and it is fully alert to perform its duties and its eyes and ears are fully open, he added.
Provincial Home Minister Shaukat Javed said that anti-Pakistan elements are bent upon ruining the peaceful atmosphere. Last few days are crucial and implementation on code of conduct is very essential to ensure security. Representatives of the political parties said that cooperation will be extended to the government to ensure peaceful holding of the elections.
Provincial ministers including Syed Zia Haider Rizvi, Shaukat Javed, Ahmed Waqas Riaz, Zafar Mehmood, Chief Secretary, ACS (Home), IG Police, Secretary Information and others attended the meeting.
Moreover, Dr Hasan Askari while slamming the Peshawar blast expressed a deep sense of sorrow and grief over the death of Haroon Bilour and others.
Extending sympathies to the bereaved families, he said the more this terrorism incident is condemned, the less it would be. He also prayed for early recovery of the injured. This tragic incident is a conspiracy to create instability in the country and all our sympathies are with the bereaved families, he added.