AJK EC requisitions standby troops for July 25 polls

ISLAMABAD: Following a requisition of troops by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission, the Pakistan Army will be on "standby" to assist the conduct of the General Election for the Legislative Assembly on July 25.

A notification by the Ministry of Interior dated July 8 states that it is "pleased to authorise the deployment of Pakistan Army (standby) 1,600 x troops of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) at highly sensitive polling stations and 4,000 x troops of Frontier Constabulary for conduct of General Election of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly scheduled to be held on 25th July 2021".

According to Geo News, the notification went on to state that the exact dates of deployment will be worked out between the AJK government and its election commission and concerned authorities in Pakistan, subject to the laws enforced in the country. Sources within the AJK Election Commission say that the word "standby" implies that the troops will not be present inside polling stations.

An approval by Prime Minister Imran Khan and the federal cabinet for the deployment of troops to AJK was already obtained. A letter was sent to the prime minister on July 8 by the AJK Chief Election Commissioner Justice (R) Abdul Rashid Sulehria. In it he stated that the government is making utmost efforts to ensure the elections "shall be conducted in most fair, judicious and transparent manner so that electors will have a fair opportunity to exercise their fundamental right of franchise without any intimidation or coercion."