ECP orders army deployment in NA-267 by-poll

Officer-in-charge of troops deployed in Jhal Magsi constituency will have powers of the magistrate

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ordered on Tuesday deployment of army troops in and outside polling stations in NA-267 Jhal Magsi where by-polls are scheduled on April 28.

The deployment was requested by the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) owing to security concerns.

PTI’s chief organiser in Balochistan Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind, who is also contesting polls from the constituency, had filed an application to the ECP to hold polls under army’s supervision.



The election top body also issued a notification, saying officer-in-charge of troops deployed in the constituency will have powers of a magistrate.

The troops have been called under Article 245 of the Constitution.

The NA-267 seat fell vacant after Supreme Court upheld the election tribunal verdict, ordering re-election in the constituency after PML-N MNA Khalid Hussain Magsi was disqualified on charges of alleged rigging during the 2013 general elections.

ECP notification available with The Express Tribune