LAHORE: Caretaker Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Law Affairs Barrister Ali Zafar has said that free, fair and transparent general elections would be held on time and there was no truth in rumours about delay.
Talking to media after distributing cheques among various Bar Councils and Associations at the Lahore High Court Bar, he assured that all-out efforts were being made for holding elections on time and there was no chance of delay.
He said that Fata merger was a historical decision and now same fundamental laws would be applicable in the area which was enjoyed by citizens in rest of the country.
Barrister Ali Zafar said that at present, there were no courts and other administrative facilities in the area. He said that the interim government had formed an implementation committee besides various sub-committees to expedite process of Fata merger with the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
To a question about elections of provincial assembly in Fata area, he said that the elections would be held within one year as provided in the constitution. The matter was also being reviewed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, he added.
To another question about facility of casting vote to overseas Pakistanis, he said that the Election Commission was empowered to take steps for the purpose, adding that steps should be taken for the purpose and modern technology could also be used in this regard.
Responding to a question about Kalabagh Dam construction, he said that Pakistan ranked top among the countries who waste water.
He said that Kalabagh Dam should be constructed in his personal opinion but it could not be done without agreement of all the provinces. He said that other dams and reservoirs should also be constructed besides focusing on Kalabagh Dam issue.
Barrister Ali Zafar said that he met with chairman WAPDA and it transpired that the dams could not be constructed due to negligence of previous governments. He said that caretaker government would take all possible steps for the purpose and also made recommendations for the next government.
