During the by-election for Karachi National Assembly, NA-245, Pakistan Army soldiers would carry out “Quick Reaction Force” tasks in the event that a scenario involving law and order arises.
The law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and the Sindh government have reportedly been ordered by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Raja Sultan to provide a tranquil environment for the constituency’s voters.
On the phone, CEC Sikandar Raja personally requested that the Chief Secretary Sindh, Inspector General of Police (IGP), and senior members of the relevant authorities guarantee the strict adherence to the election code of conduct.
In order to prepare the polling results, the District Police Officer (DPO), District Returning Officer (DRO), Returning Officer (RO), and District Monitoring Officer were instructed to notify law enforcement authorities of any deviant who would attempt to disrupt the election.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said in a statement that in the event of any law and order issues during the NA-245 by-election, the Pakistan Army will serve as the “Quick Reaction Force.” Officials from the Pakistani Army would be stationed outside the most crucial voting places, he continued.
The election watchdog also instructed the Sindh government to move swiftly to punish code of conduct offenders. It said, “Stronger action should be taken against the elements interfering with the electoral process.”
Additionally, the Election Commission established a central control centre in Islamabad, which would remain operational until the results are made public.
The NA-245 by-election for Karachi is set for August 21. Following the passing of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Dr. Aamir Liaquat Hussain, the NA-245 seat became vacant.
The Election Commission of Pakistan, which had earlier announced that it was organising the by-poll on the vacant seat on July 27, issued a new schedule last month and fixed August 21 as the new date of polling.
