15 SAARC observers to monitor Pakistan polls

Islamabad, Feb 10 : Around fifteen South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) observers would reach Pakistan this week to monitor the February 18 general elections.

The observers, who will arrive by February 15, will be allowed to enter any polling station, but will have to seek permission to enter polling stations in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), the Swat Valley and Northern Areas. According to The News, accreditation cards will be issued to at least 3000 observers. Pakistani diplomatic missions have issued visas to at least 500 foreign media personnel and 400 international monitors.

Accreditation Cards have also been issued to 350 foreign diplomats and 1800 local media personnel.

Coordinator Rasool Bux issued cards to foreign embassy personnel in Islamabad on Sunday, his day off.

ANI