ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet on Tuesday approved the deployment of personnel from the Pakistan Army due to a shortage of more than 270,000 security personnel for the general elections for 2024.

The meeting of the federal cabinet chaired by interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar endorsed the summary from the Minister of Interior regarding the deployment of armed forces during the upcoming general elections.

According to the decision, Pakistan Army personnel will be stationed as a Rapid Response Force in “sensitive constituencies” across the country.

This decision follows the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) requesting the deployment of 277,000 army personnel nationwide to uphold security and maintain law and order.

As the February 8 elections approach, concerns about the security and safety of candidates and voters have risen, with reports of violent incidents and attacks on candidates occurring nationwide.

Some politicians have expressed worries about the law and order situation, with calls for a delay in the elections.

The Upper House of Parliament adopted a resolution seeking a postponement, citing extreme weather in hilly areas and a deteriorating security situation.

Recent violent incidents include the killing of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Khalid in Swabi, as well as attacks on other leaders like PML-N’s Aslam Buledi, Mohsin Dawar, and Senator Kohda Akram Dashti.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq established a seven-member committee to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming general elections.

The committee’s responsibilities include assessing and providing support for election requirements and making immediate decisions to enhance security and maintain effective control over the law-and-order situation.