ECP directs caretaker govts to provide level playing field to all parties

ISLAMABAD: In a formal communication addressed to caretaker governments, the principal secretary to the prime minister and the provincial chief secretaries , the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued directives to ensure a level playing field for all political parties in the upcoming general election.

The directive comes in response to concerns raised by a political party, the ECP said.

The communique said that the said party had expressed apprehensions to the election commission, citing a lack of a level playing field attributed to the actions of caretaker governments.

According to the party, the ECP said, “this imbalance is adversely affecting its campaign and the interests of its supporters.”

Following a meeting with the election commission, the political party formally submitted its concerns and emphasized the need for a fair and unbiased electoral environment.

The party had requested the election commission to intervene and facilitate a campaign environment characterized by equality.

In response to these concerns, the election commission has issued directives to caretaker governments, reminding them of their constitutional and legal responsibility to uphold impartiality.

The commission explicitly instructed chief secretaries, deputy commissioners (DCs) and district police officers (DPOs) to ensure the effective implementation of the directives to maintain a level playing field for all political parties.

Sources said that leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf had raised the issue with the election commission, and advocating for a fair and level playing field in the electoral process.