By-polls security: Army deployed in city’s three constituencies going to polls

Spokesperson says soldiers will act as ‘quick response force’.

KARACHI:

A large number of Pakistan Army soldiers have been deployed in the three constituencies of Karachi ahead of by-polls scheduled for Thursday.

Meanwhile, the provincial government has imposed a ban on carrying and displaying weapons during the three days of by-elections, from August 21 to August 23.

Army troops along with their vehicles, including armoured personnel carriers, have been deployed in and outside the polling stations in NA-254, PS-95 and PS-103 to ensure peaceful and transparent by-elections. The decision was taken at a meeting of the electoral body chaired by the acting chief election commissioner, Justice Tassadduq Hussain Jilani.

“Apart from Karachi, army troops have been deputed in other constituencies of Sindh,” said a military spokesperson while talking to The Express Tribune. “The troops will stay until the by-polls are completed.” The spokesperson said that the soldiers will act as a ‘quick response force’ in case of any untoward incident, adding that they will stay within their respective constituencies as they are fully equipped with arms and have food as well.

Extra contingents of law enforcers and paramilitary force have already been stationed in the three constituencies for by-elections.

According to a notification issued by the provincial home department on Tuesday, the ban is imposed in the entire province, including Karachi, Thatta, Sanghar, Shikharpur and Mirpurkhas.  The ban also applies to those with special permits.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 21^st, 2013.