Islamabad, Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, has announced that international observers and journalists will be in Pakistan to monitor and cover the upcoming general elections scheduled for the 8th of next month.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, at a news conference in Islamabad, Solangi, along with Secretary Information Shahera Shahid, Director General Radio Pakistan Saeed Ahmed Sheikh, and Executive Director General External Publicity Wing Ambreen Jan, shared that forty-nine visas have already been issued to foreign journalists, with thirty-two more in process. Additionally, Pakistan’s High Commission in India is processing twenty-four applications from journalists.

Solangi noted that a total of one hundred and seventy-four applications from various foreign media outlets have been received. Major international media including CNN, BBC, DW, and Japanese outlets, which already have a presence in Pakistan, will cover the elections for National and Provincial Assemblies’ seats.

The minister also stated that applications from foreign observers are being processed, with a significant number received from countries like Britain, Russia, Japan, Canada, South Africa, and Commonwealth nations. These journalists and observers will be allowed to monitor and cover the electoral process in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, with potential for coverage in other cities on a case-by-case basis.

Solangi highlighted that local journalists are being provided with accreditation cards for election coverage, with over six thousand cards already issued across the country. The distribution of cards includes Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, and Multan.

Addressing security concerns, the Information Minister assured that the state would provide security to both local and foreign journalists and observers. Executive Director General EP Wing Ambreen Jan added that requests from fourteen countries have been received for journalists and observers to cover the elections. A media cell will be established at the Press Information Officer’s office, providing all necessary facilities to foreign journalists and observers, and a cell at the EP Wing for issuing accreditation cards.