ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a notification for the deployment of the army and paramilitary forces for the by-elections scheduled for November 23.
The move aims to ensure law and order during the elections, which will be held in critical constituencies across the country. The military and paramilitary forces will remain stationed from November 22 to November 24.
A total of six constituencies in the National Assembly and seven constituencies in the Punjab Assembly have been identified for the deployment. These include high-profile constituencies such as NA-18 Haripur, NA-96 and NA-104 Faisalabad, NA-143 Sahiwal, NA-185 Dera Ghazi Khan, and NA-139 Lahore. The aim is to prevent any disturbances, ensure security at polling stations, and safeguard the election process from any external interference.
In addition to providing security, the ECP has granted the deployed officers of the army and civil armed forces special powers under Articles 220 and 245 of the Pakistani Constitution. These powers allow military personnel to act as magistrates, granting them legal authority to enforce laws and take immediate action in case of any unlawful activities during the election period.
The notification stated that the presence of the armed forces was intended to maintain peace and stability, particularly in areas where there may be a higher risk of election-related violence or tension. The ECP has made it clear that the deployment is not only a precautionary measure but also a step towards ensuring that the by-elections are conducted fairly and transparently.
In addition to the National Assembly constituencies, the army and civil armed forces will also be deployed in several provincial assembly constituencies, including PP-73 Sargodha, PP-98, PP-115, and PP-116 Faisalabad, PP-203 Sahiwal, PP-269 Muzaffargarh, and PP-87 Mianwali.
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