The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has imposed a ban on the appointment and transfer of government officers in Punjab and Sindh until the holding of the local government elections in the two provinces, as Chief Election Commissioner Justice (r) Sardar Raza Khan reaffirmed the poll body’s commitment to ensuring implementation of the electoral code of conduct in letter and spirit.
Briefing the media after an ECP meeting to review the arrangements for LG polls, ECP Secretary Babar Yaqub said that the ban has been imposed to ensure holding of free and fair election. He said that the ECP had not yet received any written request for deployment of Rangers in the elections, but said that the paramilitary force would be deployed if the need arose.
Yaqoob said that the participants of the meeting discussed the issues related to security in detail while the CEC directed the inspectors general of Punjab and Sindh police to ensure security of returning officers and deputy returning officers during the upcoming polls.
“IG Punjab has assured the ECP that the police will remain neutral during the polls,” said Yaqoob.
Local government elections in Punjab and Sindh will be held in two phases with the first phase scheduled for October 31 and the second to be held on November 19.
