The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a directive instructing the Chief Secretary of Sindh to immediately withdraw security, privileges and protocols from former members of the provincial cabinet and government officials. The decision follows the conclusion of the provincial government’s tenure and the upcoming general elections scheduled for the beginning of next year, after the delimitation process.

In a letter addressed to the provincial secretary and inspector general, Election Commission Secretary Omar Hamid highlighted that former officials and cabinet members were still benefiting from the perks and privileges associated with their former positions.

The letter stated, “You are, hereby, advised to withdraw protocol/security and perks and privileges from those former provincial cabinet members and political appointees of equivalent status and send a note of compliance within three days. This matter may be treated as most urgent.”

The ECP had earlier on August 15 sent a letter to provincial authorities for withdrawal of the official protocol of the then members of former Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah-led cabinet and government officials.

Additionally, in a separate communication to the Balochistan chief secretary, the Election Commission directed the immediate replacement of existing officials with new appointees for specific positions.

The letter states, “As you are aware the Election Commission of Pakistan is charged with the Constitutional duty to organize and conduct elections in terms of Article 218 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and “to make such arrangements as are necessary to ensure that the election is conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with law and that corrupt practices are guarded against. Therefore, it has been desired that the following senior officers be immediately reshuffled:

1. Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Balochistan
2. Secretary, Services & General Administration Department, Balochistan
3. Home Secretary, Balochistan
4. Finance Secretary, Balochistan”

The ECP has requested a compliance report from the concerned authorities within three days.