Kanwar Dilshad (Former Secretary ECP):   The scrutiny of nomination papers of the election candidates is vital for holding free, fair, and transparent elections.  The Supreme Court has already declared the submission of an affidavit containing personal information along with nomination papers mandatory for the candidates. The existing nomination papers will stay in place and the affidavit to be submitted by the candidates will carry the additional information. The nomination papers of a candidate will be rejected, if he fails to submit the Affidavit within due date. The draft of the affidavit has been put up by the Election Commission of Pakistan on its official website and communicated to all the Returning Officers.  

Altaf Hamid Khan (ECP Spokesperson): The electoral process has begun in the country as process of filing nomination papers by candidates for general elections is continuing.  Tomorrow is the last day for filing nomination papers with the returning officers. The Election Commission will publish preliminary list of candidates the same day.  Scrutiny of nomination forms of the election candidates is vital for ensuring free, fair and transparent elections. The exercise will help identify negative elements like loan defaulters and non-tax payers. Pakistan is heading towards sustained and workable democracy, which is good omen.

Dr. Muhammad Khan (Expert on International Relations): The United States wanted to maintain its presence in Afghanistan through military power. The relations between Pakistan and the United States had been witnessing many ups and downs.  New changes have emerged in this region especially after end of cold war in the region. Trump Administration has realized the estranged relations with Islamabad are not in favor and interest of the United States.  The geo-strategic location of Pakistan makes the country highly important in this region.  Peace in Afghanistan is important for peace in Pakistan and the region.  Pakistan wants Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process in Afghanistan for regional peace and stability.  Pakistan has rendered numerous sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.