Media to be facilitated during elections: Memon
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Senator Nisar A Memon said Sunday arrangements are being finalized to facilitate print media with regard to election results during the upcoming general elections at federal and provincial level. Talking to newsmen, the Minister said in this regard facilities are being established at press information departments at Islamabad and four regional headquarters.
He said, the department would extend all possible assistance to media for election coverage. However, he said the media would have to follow code of conduct laid down by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Besides, he said official media would launch an extensive coverage plan for the upcoming polls. Nisar A Memon said, the government would ensure enabling and improved law and order atmosphere for the elections as well as media coverage.
"Federal Minister for Law Syed Afzal Haider is looking after the legal affairs in this regard and the developments would be made public as soon as these are finalised," said the Minister while talking to the journalists here after the prize distribution ceremony of Federal Amateur Golf Championship here at Islamabad Golf Club.
Flanked by Mian Iqbal Farid, the former Chairman CBR and Member Executive Committee of the Islamabad Golf Club, the Information Minister said the preparations are underway to meet the requirements for holding the elections on January 8, 2008, and no individual or party should have any doubt about the government's resolve to hold the polls on time.
To a question, Nisar Memon said the armed forces had flushed out the international terrorist elements from Swat District and adjoining areas, besides seizing the transmission and equipment of the `rogue' radio stations operated by the terrorists.
"Law and order situation in Swat district is improving. The electioneering process has been launched in the area and dozens of candidates have submitted their nomination papers. We are facing an enormous situation as the country is facing international terrorism as well as negative international propaganda campaign.
"We have to tackle both," he said and added that around 290 international terrorists were killed in Swat district besides the arrests. He said the army would remain in the areas until the Chief Minister NWFP desires to do so.
When the Caretaker Minister for Information was asked whether the government was considering calling in the armed forces for holding of elections in other areas of the country too, the Minister said it was premature to comment over such a plan. However, he said the armed forces are requested to help the civilian government when and if they are needed to maintain the law and order situation.
To a question about the Charter of Demands (CoD) being discussed by the ARD and the APDM, Nisar Memon said it was too early to comment over the CoD.
"As we don't want to affect the ongoing talks between the ARD and APDM, it would be inappropriate to comment over the CoD. Nevertheless, the doors of the caretaker government are open to all the parties so as the doubts from any individual or party are removed and necessary steps are taken to facilitate the election process. We want to hold such free and fair elections which are acceptable not only to all the political parties but also the world community," he said.
The Minister said the caretaker government is mandated to hold polls free, fair and impartial general elections in a secure manner.
"The caretaker government would take all necessary measures to ensure law and order situation to hold polls in a secure environment. The law is compulsory for all and we would ensure every individual or party should abide by the laws of land," he said.