Pak Army to perform as ‘Quick Response Force’ during Punjab by-elections: ISPR

Rawalpindi: The Pakistan Army troops will act only as “Quick Reaction Force” duties in case of any law and order situation arising during polling on July 17 (tomorrow), th Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Saturday.

The military's media affairs wing, in a statement today, said troops carried out reconnaissance at the most sensitive locations in respective areas as third-tier responders to any law and order situation in the province.

The ISPR said the reconnaissance was carried out in line with the directions of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The government has also decided to deploy Frontier Constabulary (FC) in addition to Rangers personnel in the light of the political tensions ahead of the by-polls,

The government has also decided to impose a ban on the movement of the armed workers of any political party in the constituencies where the by-polls are being held. 

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has warned PTI Chairman Imran Khan against disrupting the peaceful proceedings of tomorrow’s by-elections by inciting riots or violence.

“The law will take its due course if anyone tries to sabotage the writ of the state by indulging in unlawful activities,” the minister said in a tweet.