ISLAMABAD: Polling is in progress on Sunday in 13 constituencies six of the National Assembly and seven of the Punjab Assembly under stringent security arrangements.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced that voting began at 8am and will run uninterrupted until 5pm. The majority of the seats went vacant after several PTI legislators were unseated over their alleged involvement in the May 9, 2023 unrest that erupted following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan.
ECP officials earlier confirmed that all preparations for the by-polls had been completed, with extensive security protocols in place to ensure fair and smooth voting.
According to Punjab Police, over 20,000 officers and constables have been assigned to election-related security duties. Inspector General Punjab Dr Usman Anwar stated that the force is committed to maintaining a calm and safe atmosphere, allowing voters to cast their ballots without intimidation.
He emphasized that any breach of the ECP’s code of conduct, violations of Section 144, or display of weapons would be dealt with strictly under a zero-tolerance policy.
