ISLAMABAD – The federal government on Saturday approved the deployment of armed forces at request of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) seeking strict security measures during by-elections.
Armed forces’ units will be used as quick response force whereas Ministry of Interior issued an order in this regard.
CAF and Pakistan Army units will serve as the second and third tiers of security in 21 constituencies until April 22, with the exact deployment details to be determined by the ECP and stakeholders based on ground requirements.
A notification issued in this regard said “the exact number of troops, date/period, area and mode of deployment would be worked out by the ECP in consultation with all concerned stakeholders based on ground requirement/assessment. The date of de-requisitioning of the said deployment will be decided subsequently after mutual consultation among all stakeholders”.
No internet in 13 districts during By-elections
Punjab government requested suspension of mobile internet services in 13 districts and tehsils on April 21 to maintain law and order during the by-polls.
Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sadiqabad, Kot Chutta, Dera Ghazi Khan, Talagang, Chakwal, Kallar Kahar, Gujrat, Ali Pur Chatha, Zafarwal, and Bhakkar will face internet revocation during polling process.
By-elections will be held for various seats, including those vacated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Punjab, and in NA-44 (Dera Ismail Khan) and NA-8 (Bajaur) in KP.
Additionally, several provincial assembly seats will be contested in Punjab, KP, and Balochistan.
