NA panel opposes delaying polls
Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior on Wednesday made it clear that if security condition is made an excuse to postpone forthcoming general elections in the country then situation will go from bad to worse.
This was decided in an important meeting of National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior in Parliament House under the able chairmanship of Sardar Talib Hasan Nakai on Wednesday.
The meeting discussed on various agendas with special focus on security situation in NWFP especially Swat, which has been a focal point since last many days.
Chairman strongly condemned the Karachi blast in which precious lives were lost besides taking notice of condition in Swat and Pindi Blast adding that whosoever are involved in it should not call themselves Muslims.
He said that we cannot stop people from attending rallies and public gatherings, as they are free to come, no one can stop them thus restriction imposed in public rallies is not valid. He further underlined that if security condition is made a problem to postpone forthcoming general elections in the country then situation will not be in favour for any one, stressing it will further deteriorate.
State Minister for Law Shahid Akram Bhinder while giving his views said that the formal Code of Conduct during Electoral Campaign has been devised by Election Commission and sent to Political Parties in this regard. He stressed the need to intensify security in the country.
Niaz Jhagra said that today common man is even afraid to go out of their houses adding that Writ of the Government is being challenge in Tribal Areas by Local Taliban.
A tense calm prevails in District Swat following a temporary cease-fire between militants and government forces, however permanent cease-fire is not on the cards yet.
On the other hand, Opposition’s Nayar Bukhari said that Law Enforcement Agencies must be on their toes as security situation in country is quite edgy adding that if terrorists and extremist don’t understand the language of dialogue, then they must be dealt with by usage of force.
He said that if electoral campaigns are halted then negative results would occur. The Members of the Committee stressed the need to be given Arms Licence for their own safety.
The meeting also took back Police Order Amendment Bill 2006 and 2007 respectively while gave a formal approval of Amendment Bill relating to stoppage of illegal use of Loud Speaker and Sound Amplifiers.
According to the bill, people who will violate the law will be given double the punishment that is from one month to now three month and fine of Rs 1000 instead of earlier Rs 200 who will illegally use loud speakers in this regard.
Later, Chairman thanked all the Members of the Committee and Secretary of Interior Ministry, respected staff for their sheer cooperation.