Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi announced on Tuesday that international observers and journalists would be present in Pakistan to monitor and cover the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8. Addressing a news conference in Islamabad, Solangi refuted rumors that no international observers or journalists would be attending the elections.
Solangi clarified that 49 visas had been issued to foreign journalists, with an additional 32 currently in the processing stage. Notably, 24 requests received by the high commission in New Delhi were also under consideration. The total number of requests from various outlets stood at 174.
The information minister provided details on international observers, mentioning 25 applications from Britain, eight from Russia, 13 from Japan, five from Canadian parliamentarians, two from South Africa, and five from Commonwealth nations, all of which were in the processing phase.
Regarding local journalists, Solangi stated that 6,065 accreditation cards had been issued, including 1,200 for Lahore, 1,470 for Karachi, 600 for Quetta, 1,050 for Peshawar, 355 for Hyderabad, 250 for Faisalabad, and 290 for Multan.
Solangi clarified that accreditation cards for foreign journalists and international observers were initially restricted to Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. However, exceptions were being considered on a case-by-case basis for those wanting to visit other cities.
Despite the January 20 deadline, officials from the Election Commission and Information Ministry were reviewing submitted requests. Solangi highlighted the presence of representatives from major international media outlets, including CNN, BBC, Germany’s Deutsche Welle News, and some from Japan, who were already in the country.
Information Secretary Shahera Shahid, Director General of Radio Pakistan Saeed Ahmed Sheikh, and Executive Director General External Publicity Wing Ambreen Jan were also present at the press conference.
