The caretaker federal cabinet approved the deployment of the Pakistan Army and civil armed forces.By the caretaker federal cabinet to ensure a peaceful conduct of the upcoming Feb 8 election.
With under three weeks to go before the forthcoming elections, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist activities. Earlier this month, a gun attack tragically killed an independent candidate in North Waziristan. Located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement announcing that the interim Prime Minister, Anwaarul Haq Kakar. Presided over a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad today. During the meeting, the government approved the deployment of troops from the Pakistan Army and civil armed forces. To ensure the peaceful conduct of the general elections. The interior ministry recommended making this decision.
According to the press release, the authorities will assign security personnel to sensitive constituencies and polling stations. Playing a crucial role in maintaining peace and security during the electoral process. Additionally, they will serve as a rapid response force, ready to swiftly address any security threats that may arise.
As the nation prepares for this important democratic exercise. The deployment of the Pakistan Army and civil armed forces aims to enhance security and safeguard. The integrity of the upcoming elections. These measures aim to establish an environment that enables voters to freely and safely exercise their democratic rights.
Shortly after PM Kakar formed a seven-member committee. To ensure the smooth functioning of the upcoming elections and oversee security arrangements.
Interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi recently emphasized that the introduced measure is unrelated to the Feb 8 election in a statement.
Affirmed that the general elections would indeed take place on February 8.
Solangi pointed out that despite security challenges in the past, general elections have been successfully conducted in the country. He expressed confidence that the upcoming Feb 8 election would proceed without any issues. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to conducting fair and safe elections.
Taking into account the threats that exist in various parts of the nation. Last week. Government and security officials reassured the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of their full preparedness to conduct the general elections.
In a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, they reviewed preparations for the Feb 8 election, focusing on the law and order situation. The officials affirmed that all essential arrangements were in place for a smooth and effective election process, ensuring the capability to address any unforeseen circumstances.
These recent developments highlight the collective efforts and commitment of the government, security agencies, and the Election Commission to uphold the democratic process by ensuring the appropriate security measures for the upcoming elections. This collaborative approach aims to provide a conducive environment for voters, enabling them to exercise their democratic rights freely and securely.
Punjab imposes Section 144 due to reported threats on Feb 8 election
In response to reported “threats to the law and order situation” during the elections, the Punjab government has implemented Section 144 across the province until Feb 12.
Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) empowers the district administration to issue orders in the public interest, allowing bans on specific activities for a defined period.
In a Jan 22 notification available with Dawn.com, Punjab Home Department Secretary Shakeel Ahmed acknowledged a “threat to law and order situation and public peace” during the Feb 8 poll.
He expressed concerns about potential soft targets during the elections, given the expected political gatherings and rallies.
The notification stressed the need for extraordinary vigilance and extensive security measures to preempt any untoward incidents, considering historical precedents of conflicts between candidates and political groups.
Shakeel further outlined the ban on displaying weapons, including licensed ones (except those by law enforcement agencies), and prohibited all types of firing and violations of the Election Commission of Pakistan’s code of conduct under the directions.
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