49 foreign journalists issued visas for the elections coverage so far: Caretaker Information Minister
Islamabad
Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi said that speculations regarding elections should be avoided. Foreign media representatives are already in Pakistan to cover the elections.
Many foreign journalists have submitted the applications for visas for coverage of election, 49 visas have been issued to observers and foreign journalists. The process of granting visas on applications is underway.
While holding press conference, Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi said that about 24 permit applications are in process from Pakistan High Commission New Delhi. Total 174 applications have been received from various media houses.
He said that in the non-journalist category, 25 applications from British alone are in the process.
Murtaza Solangi said that 8 applications from Russian Federation and 13 applications from Japan are under process. 5 applications by Parliament members from Canada have submitted applications.
Accreditation cards have been given to many journalists from within Pakistan. 6065 journalists have been granted accreditation cards till now.
Accreditation cards have been granted to 1200 journalists from Lahore, 1470 from Karachi, 1050 from Peshawar, 600 from Quetta, 355 from Haiderabad, 250 from Faisalabad and 290 journalists from Multan.
International journalists and observers are getting permits from Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
Apart from these 3 cities, if any foreign journalist wants to go to any other city, then it will be reviewed case to case.
He said that despite passing of January 20 deadline, Election Commission and relevant institutions of Information Ministry are still looking at the applications. Applications were received from 14 countries.
DG EP wing said that 174 foreign media journalists in Pakistan have applied for accreditation cards. 81 foreign journalists applied, out of which 49 foreign journalists have been issued visas.
An official code of conduct has been issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan. The number of observers is 55, PID will provide facilities to foreign journalists, EP Wing will work 24 hours a day.
Murtaza Solangi said that it is the responsibility of the state to protect its citizens.
