ECP seeks troops for by-polls

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has sought the deployment of Pakistan Army and Rangers in 20 constituencies for the 20 Punjab Assembly seats by-polls and one National Assembly seat.

The letter written by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa sought the deployment of troops in all four constituencies of Lahore and Multan, sources told The Express Tribune on Thursday.

A request has also been made for the deployment of troops for the NA-245 Karachi by-poll.

The commission has also requested the additional deployment of the Quick Response Force for the remaining 15 constituencies of Punjab.

The CEC also praised the services of Pakistan Army and Rangers in previous elections and requested a more active role in the upcoming by-polls.

The sources disclosed that the electoral watchdog sought the deployment of troops in view of recent violent incidents in by-elections and local body elections.