PTI candidate requests army deployment for NA-246 polls

KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Imran Ismail has formally requested the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for army deployment during polling in NA-246 (Karachi).

According to sources the ECP has sought a report from the Chief Secretary Sindh after which a decision of Ismail’s request will be taken.

Speaking to media after offering prayers at a mosque in Hussainabad area of the constituency, Ismail said that he would go door to door and neighbourhood to neighbourhood to campaign for the upcoming by-election.

“We do not trust the police. The police force is politicized and policemen are recruited on political basis. We want the Rangers and army to be deployed inside polling stations during the election,” he said.

“We want a fair election regardless of who people vote for,” he added.

Answering a question, Ismail said that he would not only accept the result, but also personally congratulate the MQM if he is defeated in the polls held under Rangers and army security.

Ismail further said that he would review arrangements when he visits the Jinnah Ground in Azizabad, where there PTI is planning to hold a public rally on April 19, ahead of the April 23 by-poll.

He said that he would also offer fateha at the ‘martyrs memorial’ during his visit.