Pak steps up security prior to assembly elections

Pakistan's Ministry of Defence on Thursday agreed to provide 3, 50,000 troops for official duties in the national assembly elections, scheduled to be held on July 25.

As reported by the Geo News, the Defence Ministry has decided to deploy purpose army, air force, and navy personnel who retired in the last two years. They will enjoy complete powers given to those still in service.

The army will take over the security of the Printing Corporation of Pakistan, which will publish ballot papers from June 27, whereas it will take up election duties four days before the polls.

Security personnel will be posted inside and outside 85,000 polling stations as well as at the printing press from June 27 till the polling day.

Such a heavy army presence prior to elections is an unprecedented step taken by the government.

The Pakistan Army had also spared around 200,000 troops to conduct the Sixth Population and Housing Census of the country last year.

Earlier in the day, Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (retd) Nasir-ul-Mulk visited the office of the Election Commission of Pakistan, where he held a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Sardar Raza Khan.