ISLAMABAD – Ahead of by-elections in 93 constituencies of Punjab, KP, andthe National Assembly, the Pakistan Army has excused itself from deployingtroops outside polling stations.
Reports in local media said the defense ministry, in its response to arequest from the Election Commission of Pakistan, apologised for the staticdeployment of Army, Rangers, and FC personnel for the upcomingby-elections, saying the deployment of the security forces not feasibleunder current circumstances.
MOD reacted as General Headquarters (GHQ) turned down the request fromproviding troops for deployment for security during the upcoming polls.
In its response, GHQ said the static deployment of armed forces during theconduct of By-Election on 64 National Assembly seats in four provinces andthe conduct of provincial assembly elections in Punjab and KhyberPakhtunkhwa remains unfeasible, and mentioned that Pakistan Rangers Punjabtroops can be provided in 2nd Tier (QRF mode) for conduct of NA by-electionin Rajanpur on 26 February.
It was reported that armed forces were currently engaged in bordermanagement and internal security management in wake of the terrorresurgence.
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Earlier, the top electoral watchdog requested the deployment of forces andparamilitary personnel for the by-election and the provincial generalelections.
Last month, the Ministry of Interior informed the ECP about theunavailability of troops for local bodies elections in Sindh.
