*ISLAMABAD – In a first ECP has noted that international observers wouldnot be invited to monitor general elections 2018 in Pakistan.*

*We will not invite any international observers in the upcoming election,said the Election Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday.*

Whoever wants to come to observe the election from outside of Pakistan isresponsible for getting their security clearance, said the ECP. Theelection management body has come up with its code of conduct forinternational observers.

According to the code, international observers will have to apply forPakistani visa at least two months ahead of their planned arrival. Theinterior ministry will get four weeks for security clearance and theobservers will be granted a stay in Pakistan lasting four to six weeks only.

The code of conduct says that the observers will stay away from mediaduring the election process. They will not be allowed to give mediastatements either.

According to the ECP, the interior ministry will issue a security advisoryfor international observers. Special passes will be issued to them and theywill not be allowed to meet any candidates or political leaders.