64174 polling stations set up across country: Dilshad
By Khalid Amin

ISLAMABAD—Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad has said that accusations brought by these political parties about ghost polling stations have no substance as EC has established over 64174 polling stations across the country and the details of these stations have been placed on websites.
Negating the allegations of political parties that EC have set up ghost polling stations to ensure success for PML-Q Kanwar Dilshad said, "Such allegations are unfounded and baseless. I want to inform the people and the political parties that EC has established over 64174 polling stations across the country. The details of these stations have been placed on websites. This way the accusations brought by these political parties about ghost polling stations have no substance".
In a special interview with the Weekly Pulse Kanwar Dilshad said that the Election Commission (EC) has finalized its preparations with respect to the elections taking place on February, 18EC have taken special measures to ensure fairness and transparency in the elections.
The computerized electoral lists have been evolved which are available at the website of EC. Even certain developed countries have not developed such websites where from voters could check and obtain their names and vote No. Computerized electoral lists have been placed on web sites with the help of political parties. Million of voters have registered themselves through websites. EC has made all the necessary arrangements and the polling staff which runs into over half a million had completed its training, he said.
Ballot papers will reach the polling stations a day before the election. EC has got the ballot papers printed on a specific paper to ensure transparency in the elections and this paper is not available in the market; Counting of these papers will be carried out and every returning officer will keep record of these papers. The list these ballot papers will be provided to the polling agents. A good number of international media and observers will be present on polling stations on polling day..Therefore any question of rigging stands ruled out in the wake of these arrangements, he said.
He said that formal record of ballot papers will be maintained and no one will be able to manipulate this record. Stern action will be initiated if some one is found involved in such irregularities at any station.
In response to a question regarding the number of foreign observers coming to Pakistan he said as per reports received so far over 2000 international observers are coming to Pakistan to monitor the elections The number of national and foreign media men stands at 350.
EC will ensure all possible facilities for the international observers.
Kanwar Dilshad said about one third polling stations out of 64174 are sensitive and army and rangers are being deployed there in the light of proposals of provincial government. All possible security measures have been taken to avert any untoward incident on February, 18. Government has also directed law enforcement agencies to make all preparations to meet any eventuality and those found disrupting the electoral process be dealt with iron hand.