National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf has emphasized the necessity of holding elections on February 8, stating that there is no alternative to conducting the elections. He urged all political parties to make efforts to ensure that the electoral process remains undisputed. Ashraf warned that if the elections are marred by controversies, the resulting government may face challenges in delivering its mandate.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Tuesday, Ashraf highlighted the importance of the Election Commission maintaining impartiality in overseeing the electoral process. He asserted that Pakistan belongs to everyone and no single political party should consider itself exclusive. Ashraf emphasized the need for a level playing field for all parties and urged anyone facing undue restrictions to seek legal recourse through the courts.
Ashraf categorically stated that there should be no room for irresponsible statements that could potentially create confusion or unrest in the lead-up to the elections. He stressed the paramount importance of conducting fair and transparent elections, labeling it as the responsibility of the government.
Referring to recent remarks by Bashir Memon, the former head of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Ashraf indicated that he has personally witnessed instances where subtle signals are communicated to political figures by the PML-N that may not be appropriate. He underscored the need for political discourse to be conducted within the bounds of ethical and responsible communication.
The National Assembly Speaker affirmed that there is no ambiguity regarding the organization of the upcoming elections, and he urged all political stakeholders to contribute positively to the electoral process. Ashraf concluded by stating that any concerns or issues related to the electoral process should be addressed through proper channels, ensuring a democratic and lawful resolution.
In the midst of the ongoing political developments and the upcoming elections, Ashraf’s call for fair elections and caution against disruptive actions echoes the need for a democratic process that upholds the principles of transparency, impartiality, and responsible political discourse.
