LAHORE: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira on Tuesday, setting aside all uncertainties in the conduct of general election, said the PPP government was committed to holding free and fair polls in the country.
Addressing luncheon hosted by consultant to the Information Minister, Usman Saleem Malik, for senior editors and journalists from print and electronic media here, he said the next general election would be held in May 2013 under a caretaker setup.
"Nothing can postpone the schedule of the next general election but some natural catastrophe," he said, adding that the law and order situation was not exemplary in year 2008 but elections were held.
The minister said the caretaker setup would be announced after consultation with the Opposition to ensure fair elections under an independent Election Commission.
Kaira said the PPP-led government had strengthened the Election Commission (EC) and awarded it unprecedented autonomy to maintain impartiality, adding that the appointment of a consensus Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) was another hallmark of the PPP government to ensure free and fair elections.
The information minister said that conduct of weapon-free by-polls in different constituencies in the coming months was a real test for the EC.
Referring to display of arms in his constituency by some political group, he said people who felt threatened must request for state protection rather than creating harassment in the area.
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