Election duty: PHC orders foolproof security for LHWs

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Saturday ordered the government to provide security to the Lady Health Workers (LHWs) performing duty at the women polling stations on the election day.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Shakeel Ahmed and Justice Faheem Wali also ordered the relevant officials to pay compensation to the LHWs for the election duty.

The bench issued these orders during the hearing of the writ petition of Ishrat Malik filed through Mohibullah Advocate.

The petitioner’s lawyer told the court that the Election Commission of Pakistan had ordered the LHWs to perform duty in the general election slated for February 8 across the country.

The counsel said the Lady Health Workers were supposed to create awareness about health issues. He said that the government provided security to the LHWs and other health staff during the anti-polio campaign.

He said the Lady Health Workers needed security during duty. He requested the court to order the government to ensure security to them during the election duty.

After hearing the argument, the court directed the government to make

security arrangements for the Lady Health Workers performing election duty and provide them compensation.