Karachi: The Governor of Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi met a delegation of newly appointed officers of the Election Commission at Governor House.
The delegation was led by Provincial Election Commissioner Ijaz Anwar Chauhan and included Director General Gender and Social Inclusion Nighat Siddiqui, faculty members and other officers.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Nehal Hashmi said that Pakistan was created through the power of the vote. He said that in 1946 elections, the majority of Muslims of the subcontinent voted in favour of the creation of Pakistan.
He said that public opinion and the democratic process are the foundation of the progress of societies. With the promotion of public representation and democratic governance in the 18th century, the world witnessed significant advancement in knowledge, research and various fields of innovation.
The Governor said that citizens have the right to vote for anyone of their choice, and ensuring the free, fair and impartial protection of this right is a fundamental responsibility of Election Commission officers.
Nehal Hashmi said that Pakistan has to move forward and the key to this progress lies in the hands of capable and responsible officers like them. He urged Election Commission officers to always give priority to the Constitution, law, merit and the will of the people while performing their duties.
He said that the country needs a strong and stable democratic system, for which Election Commission officers must make decisions in accordance with the Constitution and law rather than under any pressure or based on personal likes and dislikes.
The Governor said that when officers perform their duties with honesty, impartiality and a sense of responsibility, it will not only strengthen the democratic process but also help Pakistan move towards greater progress and stability.
In response to a question, he said that providing citizens with their legitimate rights, remaining above all forms of prejudice and treating all citizens equally are among the primary responsibilities of Election Commission officers.
In response to another question, he said that respecting the will of the people while remaining above every kind of pressure would further enhance the dignity and public confidence not only in the officers but also in the Election Commission as an institution.
The Governor expressed his best wishes to the newly appointed officers and said that they should perform their responsibilities by giving priority to the principles of the Constitution, law, merit and impartiality and play an effective role in further strengthening the democratic process in the country.
Vote of thanks was delivered by Director General Gender and Social Inclusion, Nighat Siddiqui.
