The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has called for an urgent high-level meeting today to address the escalating law and order crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, casting doubts on the feasibility of holding the Feb 8 elections in the two provinces.
Simultaneously, the military leadership has adopted a firm stance against political violence, pledging a zero-tolerance policy and vowing to prevent any attempts to disrupt the electoral process.
The move follows a surge in tensions and increased violence, with incidents such as the killing of an election candidate in Bajaur leading to the postponement of elections in two constituencies within the district. Additionally, the death of a political worker in Chaman and various armed and grenade attacks in Balochistan, including an assault on the residence of Zahoor Ahmed Buledi, a former provincial minister and PPP candidate, have heightened concerns.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the ECP released a statement on Wednesday, declaring, “Considering the worsening law and order scenario, the ECP has scheduled a meeting on Thursday, inviting the Interior Minister, Secretary Interior, Chief Secretaries, Inspectors General of KP and Balochistan, and representatives from intelligence agencies.”
A spokesperson for the ECP, in a separate statement, acknowledged incidents such as the firing on a political party’s caravan and a grenade attack on Mr. Buledi’s residence. The commission, initially dismissive of calls to postpone elections, now faces speculation that it may delay polls in KP and Balochistan.
While a senior ECP official emphasized that no provincial government has formally requested election postponement, concerns over heightened disturbance levels may prompt selective delays in constituencies if deemed necessary.
Another official, speaking anonymously, emphasized the uncertainty of the situation, stating, “It all depends on the nature and magnitude of the threat.” The official hinted that clarity would emerge after briefings from top officials.
Meanwhile, the ECP grapples with a significant challenge in securing sufficient special security paper for potential ballot paper reprints in specific constituencies. The commission noted in a Wednesday meeting that if the security paper is unavailable, postponing elections in these constituencies becomes an unavoidable option.
