Ensuring free, fair elections responsibility of ROs: CJP

QUETTA: Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has said that ensuring free and fair election in the country is the responsibility of Returning Officers (ROs).

Addressing Returning Officers in Quetta on Sunday‚ the Chief Justice said it is duty of the constitutional institutions to help the Election Commission of Pakistan.

He said it is responsibility of the Returning Officers to help conduct the elections in free‚ fair and transparent manner as they represent the judiciary.

Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said Balochistan is passing through a critical stage and is facing numerous challenges.

Constitution will be protected at all cost, he added.

During their briefing to the Chief Justice, Returning Officers from Kohlu and Dera Bugti said law and order situation in these areas was not conducive.

They suggested that deployment of FC and army will be required for improving the situation, they added.