PESHAWAR, Oct 24 (APP): Provincial Election Commissioner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shamshad Khan on Tuesday emphasized that all stakeholders should actively participate in increasing voter turnout in the upcoming elections and collaborate with the Election Commission in this special campaign. He made these remarks during the first meeting of the Provincial Voters Education Committee in his office.
Javed Rahmat Khan, Joint Provincial Election Commissioner Elections, welcomed the participants. Those present at the meeting included Umra Khan, Additional Secretary of the Higher Education Department; Arshad John, Deputy Secretary from Awqaf; Abdul Basit from the Elementary and Secondary Education Department; Daulat Khan from the Tourism Department; Amil Rashid from the Women Commission; Ali Khan, Section Officer from the Health Department; and Khushal, Information Officer from PID.
Other attendees included Shahid Khan from NADRA, Farid Gul from URDO, Shahid Waseem from SPO, Zubair Anbiya from AAC, Dr. Abrar from Peshawar University’s Department of Social Work, Mian Asim Iqbal, Deputy Registrar from IM Sciences, and Zwar from Special Life Foundation. Noor, Ayesha Khursheed from Hawa Lor, Farwa Kazmi from the Aurat Foundation, and Anumbrin from IFES also participated in the meeting.
The meeting addresses various issues related to the electoral process on a monthly basis and conducts public awareness campaigns. Efforts are being made to enhance the participation of all marginalized groups, especially women, with joint voter registration campaigns in collaboration with NADRA and civil society to bridge the gender gap in voter lists.
It is stressed that not only voter registration but also actual voting is crucial to establish a sustainable democratic system in the country. The Election Commission is committed to ensuring the participation of all segments of society in the electoral process, and everyone should work together to boost voter turnout, especially among women.
Before the meeting, the spokesperson for the Provincial Election Commissioner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provided a detailed briefing on the formation of the Provincial Voters Education Committee, its objectives, and the significance and goals of the voting process. During the meeting, participants shared their views and offered suggestions, which were welcomed by the Provincial Election Commissioner, who assured his cooperation.