LG polls: PTI demands Rangers deployment inside Sindh polling stations

PTI lawmakers submit resolution in Sindh Assembly seeking appointment of non-local staff on polling day

KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) called on Friday for Rangers to be deployed at polling stations over the course of the forthcoming local government (LG) elections in Sindh.

PTI MPAs Khurram Sher Zaman and Dr Seema Zia submitted a resolution in the Sindh Assembly, demanding the appointment of non-local staff and paramilitary forces inside polling stations across the province on the day of polls.

“In order to hold free and fair elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) must not select the polling staff from educational and LG bodies in Sindh,” PTI lawmaker Dr Zia demanded.

Further, the PTI lawmaker alleged the polling staff, conducting the 2013 general elections was involved in organised rigging.

Dr Zia announced that her party will take part in Sindh LG polls despite its reservations on the members of the ECP.

However, the party leader urged the electoral body to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities in order to save the elections from being hijacked.

Last month, the ECP had notified the phase-wise schedule of the long-delayed LG polls in Punjab and Sindh. In the first phase, polling will be held in 12 districts of Punjab and eight of Sindh on October 31. In the second phase, polling will be held in 12 districts of Punjab and 15 districts of Sindh on November 19. Polling for the third phase of LG polls will be held on December 3. Twelve districts in Punjab and six in Sindh – all in Karachi  – would go for polls.