Balochistan requests deployment of army for by-elections in Sibi – Pakistan

QUETTA: The Balochistan government, in view of the prevailing security situation, has requested the Federal Government to deploy the Army and the Frontier Corps (FC) for the upcoming by-elections in Sibiand to suspend mobile services in Sibi and Kachhi on November 17.

In a letter to the Federal Ministry of Home Affairs, the Balochistan Home Ministry said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has called for foolproof security measures for the by-elections in Sibi-Lehri constituency.

As a result, the provincial government has formally requested the deployment of military and FC personnel to ensure the security of the election process.

The Balochistan government is committed to peaceful and transparent elections in Sibi, as well as in areas where the election tribunal has ordered re-elections at disputed polling stations in Quetta and Mangochar.

Requests suspension of mobile services on November 17

In addition, the Ministry of Interior has requested the suspension of mobile phone and internet services in Sibi and Kachhi on November 17, the election day for PB-8 Sibi, to avoid any security threats or disruptions during the elections.

Re-election in Kalat

Meanwhile, the ECP has announced that re-elections will be held in seven polling stations of PB-36 Kalat constituency on December 1 this year.

The elections were postponed due to security reasons. The re-election was ordered by the Balochistan High Court Election Tribunal on the basis of a petition filed by JUI-F candidate Sardarzada Mir Saeed Lango, who challenged the victory of BAP’s Mir Ziaullah Lango in the constituency.

Published in Dawn, November 14, 2024