KARACHI: More than 94 percent polling stations have been declared sensitive in Karachi for the third phase of local government elections on December 5.
Only 234 out of a total of 4,141 polling stations have been declared normal. According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), 1,791 polling stations (43pc) have been declared highly sensitive while 2,116 (54pc) are being considered sensitive for the third phase of the local government polls.
All polling stations in District Central and Korangi have been declared either sensitive or highly sensitive. The largest number of highly sensitive polling stations (497) is in District West, with 396 stations declared sensitive out of a total of 937 stations where polling will take place on Saturday.
Meanwhile, 859 polling stations were declared sensitive in Karachi’s District Central. The ECP has summoned 20 companies of Pakistan Army troops to be deployed in the city to assist during the elections.
According to an ECP notification, Army and Rangers personnel will be in charge of the law and order and security situation on polling day, while Rangers personnel will also have powers of First Class Magistrate, giving them powers to enter any polling station and arrest any suspect if the need arises.
Meanwhile, the Special Security Unit (SSU) of the Sindh Police said that 400 police commandos will also be deployed in Karachi on polling day.
