QUETTA: Leaders of the Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party (PkNAP) have raised serious allegations of pre-poll interference and issued a stark warning of public protest if the upcoming local government LG elections are not conducted transparently and impartially.
The warnings were issued during the inauguration of a party election office in Nawan Kalai and a public jirga in Muslim Ittehad Colony. Senior leaders, including Provincial President Nasrullah Khan Zere and Deputy Secretaries Rehmatullah Sabir, Abdul Razak Barich, and Baz Pashtun, addressed the gatherings.
The speakers emphasized the critical role of local governments as the “backbone” for solving public problems and delivering basic amenities. “The stronger the local government system, the faster public problems will be solved,” they stated.
However, they expressed severe concerns about the current electoral environment. They accused certain ministers and MPAs of “unscrupulous use of government resources,” wielding influence through the government machinery, and interfering in the election process, actions they claim are causing “severe anxiety among the public.”
The party demanded that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) take immediate and strict action against such elements. “Ministers and MPAs must be strictly prevented from using government resources,” the leaders asserted, calling it essential for a “transparent, impartial and fair” electoral process.
Other speakers, including District Assistant Secretary Bacha Khan Kakar and Haji Abdul Salam Barich, reinforced the message. They stated that holding free and fair elections is the ECP’s primary constitutional duty and that any rigging or partisan interference “is tantamount to undermining public trust.”
The party issued a clear warning, stating that if transparency is compromised, “the people will be forced to peacefully but vigorously protest to protect their democratic rights.” They affirmed their belief in people’s power and declared that “undemocratic behaviors will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
Meanwhile the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Balochistan, Muhammad Tahir, on Tuesday reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to utilizing all available resources to maintain law and order in the province. He issued directives for heightened security and the adoption of modern technology to effectively curb criminal activities.
