LG polls Sindh: Govt refuses to deploy army, Rangers at polling stations

• No armed forces, Rangers at polling stations during LG polls
• It has been said that the responsibility is of Sindh home dept
• Armed forces and Rangers can provide their services as quick response forces

KARACHI: The federal government on Wednesday refused to deploy armed forces for the security of polling stations during the LG polls in Karachi and Hyderabad scheduled for January 15.

Notably, the ECP has announced the verdict that the polls in Karachi and Hyderabad will be held as scheduled and rejected the pleas by MQM to postpone. ECP also wrote a letter to the interior ministry for Army and Rangers deployment.

The federal government said the matter was raised with the GHQ, which said providing security during Karachi, and Hyderabad LG polls is the responsibility of the Sindh home department.

It was also informed that the armed forces and Rangers can provide their services as quick response forces and will remain available for the security at a second and third level during the polls.

Meanwhile, ECP has written a letter to the Inspector General of Sindh Police to ensure fool-proof security during the second phase of local elections.

In the letter from the Election Commission, IG Sindh has been instructed to prepare a comprehensive security plan for the protection of polling staff and voters.

The ECP has also instructed to take strict measures to make it possible to hold a transparent election and it has been mentioned that any kind of lapse in security measures can help the malicious elements to achieve their objectives.

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