RAWALPINDI: Former information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Sunday urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the caretaker government to address political parties’ reservations about transparent elections on July 25.

“If a level playing field is not provided to all political parties and candidates, questions will be raised on the general election. The ECP is responsible for conducting free and fair elections in the country and it should end political parties’ reservations,” she told the press at a flower market on Banni Chowk.

Ms Aurangzeb was at the market to purchase flowers before visiting former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz at Adiala jail today (Monday).

“Barriers were erected to stop the PML-N rally in Lahore on Friday and workers were arrested without any reason despite the orders of the Lahore High Court. The police arrested party workers three days before the rally,” she said.

“The police registered cases against me and other PML-N leaders under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Nobody has taken notice of tear gas shelling on party workers and supporters at the rally by the police,” she added.

Ms Aurangzeb said the blackout of the PML-N march had raised questions among people.

“On Friday, thousands of people were on the roads but the media was not allowed to cover it,” she alleged.

She said Imran Khan would hide in Banigala on July 25 as Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf workers would also vote for the tiger, the PML-N’s election symbol.

“The PML-N will get the people’s support in the general election,” she said.

In response to a question, she said PML-N women workers would meet Sharif and Maryam and expressed solidarity with them. She said the party was united under PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif.

Ms Aurangzeb said the Mastung attack was the second largest incident after the Army Public School terrorist incident.

Published in Dawn, July 16th, 2018