ECP reviews steps for holding LG polls in Punjab, Sindh

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) reviewed the arrangements for the conduct of second phase of Local Bodies polls in Punjab and Sindh with particular reference to ensuring maintenance of law and order during the exercise.
To this effect, the Chief Election Commissioner Justice (R) Sardar Muhammad Raza chaired a meeting here at the ECP Secretariat that was participated, among others, by the commission members, the top representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defence, IGs Punjab and Sindh and other senior officials.
The chief election commissioner said that by deployment of additional personnel of the army and the Rangers, besides the police at the most sensitive and sensitive polling stations, the security of the polling staff and voters would be ensured along with voters.
The ECP has summoned finance secretary regarding the Kissan package. The meeting was briefed about the package by secretary food and national security and Additional Attorney General.
The hearing of the matter was adjourned until November 17.
A source told The News that the commission decided to use the military personnel as the quick response force at the potentially sensitive areas.
The forum was told that Badin, Tharparkar and Sanghar were the most sensitive districts in Sindh while Hafizabad was seen as the possible major trouble spot during the polls in Punjab.
The chief election commissioner maintained that no laxity or negligence would be tolerated during the upcoming local bodies’ second phase. He called on the returning officers to exercise the powers and don’t hesitate by using their authority.
He made it clear that there would be no compromise on maintenance of law and order.
APP adds: the ECP has directed the provincial governments of Punjab and Sindh to suspend arms licences before two days of polling for second phase of Local Government elections.
The decision was taken during the meeting headed by Chief Election
Commissioner Justice (r) Sardar Raza Khan.
Talking to media Secretary Election Commission Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad said that 40 companies of Army would be deployed in the Punjab and 16 in Sindh during second phase of local government elections.
The ECP has decided to deploy army in sensitive districts like Sanghar, Badeen and Hafizabad to maintain law and order situation and holding peaceful elections, he added.
Secretary said that section 144 would be imposed on polling day and no gathering would be allowed within radius of 200 meters of each polling station.
He said all contesting candidates would have to furnish affidavits to obey ECP’s code of conduct and remain peaceful during elections.
Babar Fateh said that
ECP had banned aerial firing in jubilation and rallies after
winning elections in both provinces as he reiterated to get implemented its code of conduct in letter and spirit
during the second phase of
LG elections.