Security measures: Army to be deployed to supervise G-B elections

Gilgit DC says deployment will be from June 1 till June 15


Shabbir Mir May 28, 2015
Army personnel will be deployed at polling stations across Gilgit Baltistan. PHOTO: ONLINE

GILGIT:


At least 6,000 army personnel will be deployed at polling stations across Gilgit-Baltistan to supervise legislative assembly elections in the region.


Addressing a news conference on Thursday, Gilgit DC Rana Rizwan said the deployment will begin from June 1 and continue till June 15.

“The army’s help has been sought for the elections in view of the security situation,” he said.

“The June 8 elections are particularly significant and we want to ensure they are conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner.”

Code of conduct

The DC also assured steps are being taken to ensure the code of conduct issued by the election commission is followed in letter and spirit.

SSP Mansoorul Haq, who also attended the conference, said written notifications have been sent to returning officers (ROs) about any breaches of conduct which have been observed.

“We have urged ROs to take action against violators,” he added

According to the SSP, some candidates have resorted to wall-chalking as a means of electioneering.

“A list of these candidates has been prepared and sent to ROs,” Haq said. “They will now be expected to take legal action against these aspirants.”

Law and order

The SSP said consistent efforts have been made to arrest criminals who remain at large before the elections.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC said Ahmed Ludhianvi, chief of the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, has been banned from entering the region until the elections to maintain law and order. Moreover, activities of politicians – especially those who belong to religious parties – are being closely monitored to stave off any untoward situation.

Over the last few weeks, political parties in G-B have been demanding army supervision for the poll as they feared Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz would be involved in rigging.

However, on Tuesday, the G-B chapter of PML-N also threw its weight behind the demand.

PML-N regional chief Hafizur Rehman said the party’s decision to support army supervision was prompted by the need to counter allegations of pre-poll rigging levelled against the governor and other officials.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29th, 2015.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ