The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to deploy Punjab Rangers and Pakistan Army for by-elections in the constituencies of NA-122 Lahore, NA-144 Okara, NA-154 Lodhran, PP-147 Lahore and PP-16 Attock. The by-polls in NA-122, NA-144, NA-154 and PP-147 constituencies are scheduled to be held on October 11, while in PP-16 on October 6.
According to an ECP handout, the decision was taken by the commission in view of the volatile law and order situation in the country as well as demands of the Provincial Election Commissioner, District Returning Officers, Returning Officers and the political parties.
The ECP also sent letters to the Secretary Ministry of Interior, Secretary Ministry of Defence and the Government of Pakistan asking them to issue necessary directions for deployment of sufficient strength of Rangers personnel for the said constituencies under intimation to ECP.