Free, fair elections, top priority: Wajid
By Bushra Makhdoom

ISLAMABAD—Interim Minister of Enviroment and Local Government, Syed Wajid Hussain Bukhari has said that first priority of their government was to maintain law and order in country; and secondly to support the election commision for holding free and fair election.
Talking to newsmen, he said that Interim government was entirely Self-reliant and not part of any set up, "We have our moral authority".
About the freedom of press, he said that every newspaper has its own policy. But as far as freedom of expression and press was concerned, they were totally free, which was depictive from news and cartoons of news papers. They were free to express and criticize the policies of the government.
About media, he said that they should adopt responsible attitude to guide and inform the people, for being an important pillar of the state. PEMRA has formed a code of conduct to make the media responsible.He urged the media to follow the code of conduct
He said that the big challenge faced by interim government was that to maintain a law and order in country and provide security to every person to freely participate in the election process.
He said that election commision has submitted code of conduct for elections, and every political party should follow it. They should also co-operate with interim government for smooth holding of elections.
The previous government gave freedom of expression and speech, he said adding that the Interim government also believed in freedom of press and media. He added that interim government have freed political workers from jail to give them chance to participate in the election process.
The Minister said that they would welcome the suggestions of the political parties for making the elections process more smooth.. He urged them cooperate with the interim government for maintaining congenial atmosphere for holding free and fair elections.