ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Rangers for by-elections in Gujranwala’s NA-77 and Sahiwal’s PP-203 constituencies to ensure peaceful polling, sources said Thursday.
The deployment will remain in effect from Nov. 7 to 9, while polling in both constituencies is scheduled for Nov. 8.
Sources said the decision was taken following a request from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for security arrangements during the by-elections.
The Army and Rangers will assist the ECP in maintaining security and ensuring the peaceful conduct of polling.
According to sources, Rangers personnel will serve as the second tier of security, while Army troops will provide third-tier security in a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) capacity.
Sources said the federal government had authorised the Army’s deployment under Article 220 of the Constitution, while Rangers personnel would be deployed under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
