Elections 2024: Deployment plan for civil, armed forces revealed

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Armed Forces are set to play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth conduct of Election 2024, as outlined under Article 245 of the Constitution of Pakistan.

The Pakistan Army, acting as the Quick Reaction Force, will be deployed as the third tier in specific regions to address any potential security challenges. The primary responsibility for maintaining law and order during the elections lies with the police, with civil armed forces, including Rangers and Frontier Corps, taking charge of security in the second phase.

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The Army’s deployment in the general polling areas as the third tier aligns with the constitutional provisions outlined in Articles 220 and 245, along with pertinent sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Elections Act 2017.

Under the collaborative efforts of Civil Armed Forces and Pakistan Army personnel, a secure environment will be established to facilitate the smooth functioning of District Returning Officers, Returning Officers, Presiding Officers, and Polling Staff during the electoral process.

Specifically, Civil Armed Forces will guard the printing press during the ballot paper production, ensuring the security of the entire printing process. Security provisions will extend to the transportation of electoral materials from Returning Officers’ offices to polling stations, the subsequent counting process, and the return of materials to the officers’ offices.

In adherence to Section 144, the exhibition of weapons will be strictly prohibited on election day. Every officer and Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) will exercise their powers in line with notifications issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

To maintain a secure environment, the police will oversee tier one responsibilities, while Civil Armed Forces and the Pakistan Army will assume responsibilities for tiers two and three, respectively.

Civil Armed Forces and Pakistan Army will not be involved in securing the transportation of ballot papers from the printing press to the District Returning Officer’s (DRO) offices. Their focus will remain on creating a peaceful environment around highly sensitive polling stations.

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Furthermore, Civil Armed Forces will conduct a thorough strip search before entering polling station premises to ensure the absence of weapons, explosive materials, or prohibited items. During the counting process, both Civil Armed Forces and Pakistan Army will diligently perform their duties outside polling stations, maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.

In case of irregularities or mismanagement at polling stations, the Civil Armed Forces and Pakistan Army are mandated to report immediately to their respective officers-in-charge to facilitate necessary legal actions.

Importantly, they will not impede the entry of eligible voters, except those found with prohibited items, inciting violence, or posing a threat to national interest or security.