ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved the deployment of Pakistan Army and Civil Armed Forces (CAF) troops for the upcoming by-elections, in response to a request from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). According to Geo, these forces will act as a rapid response team.
Deployment Details
The Ministry of Interior has ordered the deployment of CAF and Pakistan Army units as the second and third tiers of security. This deployment is effective immediately and will continue until April 22 across 21 constituencies. The ECP will decide the number of troops, the duration of deployment, and specific locations after consulting relevant stakeholders.
Withdrawal Plans
The decision to withdraw the troops will be based on discussions among all involved parties after the by-elections.
Read More: Punjab Home Dept wants suspension of mobile phone services in major cities
Punjab Government’s Request for Mobile Internet Suspension
Pre-Election Security Measures
The Punjab government has requested the suspension of mobile internet services in 13 districts and tehsils on April 21, the day before the by-polls, to ensure law and order. This measure aims to prevent disturbances during the electoral process.
Areas Affected
The request affects areas including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sadiqabad, Kot Chutta, and Dera Ghazi Khan, as well as tehsils like Talagang, Chakwal, Kallar Kahar, Gujrat, Ali Pur Chatha, Zafarwal, and Bhakkar. The Punjab chief secretary, inspector general, and the chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have received copies of this request.
Previous Service Suspensions
Despite government promises of uninterrupted network connectivity during polls, mobile internet services were previously suspended on February 8.
Upcoming Electoral Contests
By-Election Dynamics
The by-elections, set for 21 seats, will feature competitive races in various constituencies across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Balochistan. These include seats formerly held by high-profile figures such as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Punjab, as well as seats vacated under tragic circumstances, like the murder of a candidate before the February 8 general elections.
