Minister for Science and Technology Shibli Faraz once again invites hackers to try and hack the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). He said the government is ready to offer 10 lac to the successful hacker.
Pertinent to note, back in September, Shibli Faraz announced the government’s decision to award prize money for hacking into the EVMs. Yesterday, during an interview with a private tv channel, he reiterated that the offer still stands. He also openly invited hackers to take up the challenge.
While talking about the benefits of EVM, Shibli Faraz said that no one can hack into the machines. He further revealed that he called many hackers to his office to hack EVMs, including the world’s third-best hacker. However, none of them were successful.
As Shibli Faraz highlighted the positive points of the EVMs, he said EVMs cannot be hacked. Likening the machine to a calculator, Shibli Faraz said it will run around the clock because the battery is inside the machine.
Read more: The electronic voting machine controversy in Pakistan
EVMs: A victory for PTI government
Shibli Faraz made the remarks after the PTI government’s victory in the joint session of the parliament. To clarify, Parliament passed a bill to use EVMs in the next general elections.
Historic day and historic legislation in 🇵🇰; #JointSession of #Parliament passed bill to grant voting rights to overseas pakistanis, allows use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections. Congratulations Overseas Pakistanis. pic.twitter.com/qGArjV0H8v
— Zia Ullah Khan Bangash (@ZiaKBangashPK1) November 17, 2021
Needless to say, as soon as the parliament passed the amendments to the Elections Act 2017, the Opposition created chaos. They tore up copies of the agenda and walked out in protest. Lawmakers also gathered around the treasury benches and chanted slogans against PM Khan and his government.
Read more: Bill passed: Elections to be held through Electronic Voting Machines
Recalling the Opposition’s anger towards the passing of the bill, Shibli Faraz said that every political party has the right to express its views. However, he also clarified that the government made numerous efforts to convince the Opposition on EVMs. According to the Opposition, EVMs cannot ensure a transparent election.
“Opposition has adopted the attitude of opposition for the sake of being opposition,” Shibli Faraz said.