Pak Senators worry banned outfits' participation in upcoming polls

Pakistan Senators today rapped authorities for allowing members of the hardline and banned outfits to contest the general elections to be held on July 25.

The senators' remarks came as concerns over security situation surfaced following the Mastung suicide blast in which nearly 150 people were killed.

Former chairman Senate and now Senator Raza Rabbani of Pakistan Peoples Party pointed out that members of banned outfits were taking part in the upcoming elections.

"The interior minister should reveal how [members of] banned organisations were allowed to contest the elections. How were the names of [members of] banned outfits removed from the Fourth Schedule?" he asked.

"What will the atmosphere of the parliament look like if even 25 of such people are elected?" Rabbani asked.

He was referring to Maulana Ahmad Ludhianvi of anti-Shiite Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal-Jamat who was allowed to contest election by removing his name from the Fourth Schedule of Anti-Terrorism Act.

The schedule lists those who are threat to peace due to extremist views or involvement in terrorism.

Senator Pervaiz Rasheed Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz said the candidates could not conduct their campaigns peacefully when those on the Fourth Schedule were allowed to contest.

"Be afraid of the day when those people will be present in this house," he warned.

He lamented the deteriorating law and order situation in the country ahead of the polls.

"No citizen can claim to be safe even in their home. Perhaps the state's priorities are somewhere and the people's interests lie elsewhere," Rasheed said.

The concerns raised by Senators highlight the participation of hardline and even banned groups and individuals in the elections.

Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) known for laying siege to the capital last year has fielded candidates for more than 150 seats.

Similarly, supporters and nominees of Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed are participating in the elections from the platform of the Allahu Akbar Tehreek after their Milli Muslim League was barred to contest.

Senators also pointed out that the National Counter Terrorism Authority's in a report stated that leaders of all political parties face security threats.