ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army have excused itself from providing security for by-elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab, yesterday. Through letter, Ministry of Interior informed Election Commission of Pakistan about response of General Headquarters (GHQ) regarding deployment of Army and Rangers outside polling stations.

Letter mentioned recent suicide attack on Peshawar Police Line masjid. Security forces are busy in operations against terrorists as country’s security situation is alarming at this point. Outlawed terrorist organisations have openly threatened to attack political parties and there is chance of possible terrorist attack during by-elections.

Letter stated that Army is busy with census and providing security for provincial general elections and by-elections on 64 constituencies. However, Ranger’s Quick Response Force can be provided for by-elections in Rajanpur. Earlier, President Arif Alvi asked Election Commission of Pakistan to immediately issue election schedule for Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial assemblies. In letter addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja President ArifAlvi said that election of an assembly is to be held within 90 days of dissolution as provided by Article 224(2) of Constitution.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 10 2023

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