Holding of peaceful elections top priority: Hamid
By Khalid Amin

ISLAMABAD—Caretaker Interior Minister Lt General retired Hamid Nawaz on Thursday underlined that Government has formally completed all arrangements to hold February 18 polls in a free and fair manner.

No one will be allowed to take law in their hands during polling, Caretaker Interior Minister Lt General retired Hamid Nawaz expressed these views while talking to Canadian High Commissioner David D Colin in Interior Ministry on Thursday.
He said that holding of peaceful elections in the country on February 18 is the top most priority of the Caretaker Government.
He said that main responsibility of caretakers was to help the Election Commission in the conduct of peaceful and fair elections.
The Government he assured would fulfil its responsibility, urging that stringent security measures will be taken to avert any untoward incident on election day.
He said that all the Law Enforcement Agencies have been asked to be on a high alert.
He further said that Foreign Observers will be given full security during their monitoring visits.
On the other hand, Canadian High Commissioner David D Colin lauded the efforts taken by the Pakistan Government in holding free and transparent polls.
He said that Canada weighs immense importance to its relations with Pakistan.
Canada will support Pakistan thick and thin especially in war against terror, he noted.
He hoped that after February 18 polls, revolutionary changes would occur in Pakistan.
He also said security would be provided to foreign observers and media would be free to cover the electoral process.
Hamid Nawaz said the elections were very crucial for the stability and solidarity of the country, he said, urging people to cast their vote judicioulsy.
Replying to a question, the Minister reiterated the government’s resolve to stamp out bases of militants for peace and stability in the country and its continued progress.
He said that the government was making all efforts to trace the missing Pakistani ambassador to Afghanistan.