G-B status: PM's statement ahead of polls not appropriate: Senate panel

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan raised 'objection' Tuesday over Prime Minister Imran Khan's announcement to grant provisional provincial status to G-B during his recent visit to the territory, saying it was not the right occasion for the aforementioned announcement ahead of elections.

Sajid Mir from Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) presided over the committee's meeting.

"This occasion and podium were not appropriate for this statement," the committee members said referring to the PM's announcement regarding the grant of provincial status to GB, at the 73rd Independence Day celebrations earlier on Sunday. Opposition parties have criticised the PM for making the said announcement terming it a violation of the electoral code of conduct given that the Legislative Assembly elections in GB are scheduled on November 15.

However, Chief Election Commissioner GB Raja Shehbaz Khan categorically defended the PM earlier on Monday saying the PM paid a visit to the valley in connection with Independence Day. Talking to journalists, the CEC rejected criticism that the PM's announcement to grant provisional provincial status to the GB ahead of the elections is tantamount to pre-poll rigging to pave the way for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) electoral victory.

The CEC said that as head of the government, the Prime Minister's visit could not be taken as a political move.

"If there are any political gatherings organized by the government official like rallies in the said constituencies, the law will spring into action," he said.

"We will not tolerate any questions on transparency of the electoral process as we are determined to hold free and fair elections in the GB," the CEC GB said adding that the PM did not announce any development package for the region owing to the Election Commission's restriction due to the upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, the Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan was briefed by the officials of Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan (KA&GB) that security arrangements for 745,000 voters were being put in place and that special measures are being taken to deal with the COVID-19 threat in wake of rising cases. On directions of CEC GB, the district administration in GB can take action against unauthorized public gatherings/rallies, the committee was briefed.

Regarding logistics in snowbound areas, the committee was briefed that measures are being taken to ensure smooth transportation of election materials, poling staff and Returning Officers to far-flung areas. Helicopters will be requisitioned from Pakistan Army for arrangements in these areas and landline telephones will be installed in all snowbound areas, the committee was briefed.

The committee was further informed that a COVID code of conduct has been issued by CEC GB, according to which no political gatherings will be conducted in smart lockdown areas. Personal Protection Equipments (PPEs) and shields will be provided to poling staff and compliance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be mandatory, the Senate panel was briefed.

Committee members including Najma Hameed, Salahuddin Tirmizi, Liaqat Khan Tarakai, Mir Kabeer Ahmed Muhammad Shahi and senior officers from Ministry of KA&GB attended the meeting.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020