The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is in the final stages of preparing for the upcoming general elections in Islamabad.
In a significant move, the ECP has delegated magisterial powers to District Returning Officers (DROs) and Returning Officers (ROs) for the smooth conduct of the elections.
This transfer of authority has been formalized through an official notification issued by the Election Commission.
In a related development, the Ministry of Interior released a notification yesterday regarding the deployment of the Army and Civil Armed Forces during the general elections.
The Army and Civil Armed Forces will function as a Quick Response Force for security purposes, actively deployed from February 5 to 12.
To ensure a well-organized and secure electoral process, the Election Commission has also outlined a comprehensive code of conduct for both the Pakistan Army and Civil Armed Forces.
Under the code of conduct, primary responsibility for maintaining order lies with the police, while the civil armed forces and the Pakistan Army are assigned secondary and intermediate levels of responsibilities.
Notably, the Pakistan Army will be strategically stationed outside the most sensitive polling stations, emphasizing a coordinated effort to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
