Polling has kicked off on time in the first phase of local bodies elections in Punjab and Sindh provinces on Saturday.
The polling started at 7:30am and will continue till 5:30pm evening without any break. However, the voters inside the polling stations will be allowed to cast their votes after 5:30pm as well.
The Election Commission of Pakistan has clarified that expiry of CNIC does not invalidate the voters from casting their votes.
Polling in Punjab is being held in Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujrat, Chakwal, Bhakkar, Nankana Sahib, Kasur, Pakpattan, Okara, Lodhran, Vehari and Bahawalnagar districts.
Army troops have been deployed to ensure peaceful and smooth polling and maintain law and order in sensitive areas.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the troops would assist law enforcement agencies when and where required.
While in Sindh, polling is being held in Sukkur, Khairpur, Shaikarpur, Kashmore, Ghotki, Qamber, Larkana, Shahdadkot and Jaccobabad.
ECP has announced that the local government elections in Maingan and Balkasar union councils of Chakwal district will also be held today as allowed by the Lahore High Court, Rawalpindi Bench.
District Returning Officer Chakwal Mehmood Javed Bhatti said the ECP had postponed LG elections in five union councils including Saloee, Dandot and Laharr Sultanpur, besides Maingan and Balkasar in pursuance of LHC’s earlier order.
However, he said the high court bench on Friday allowed holding of LG elections in Maingan and Balkasar union councils.
Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has directed the law enforcement agencies to ensure strict implementation of security plan during the polls. He directed senior officers to personally remain present in the field.
Shahbaz Sharif ordered indiscriminate action against those candidates or their companions who would be involved in aerial firing on their success in elections.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Affairs Irfan Siddiqui has said the local government elections will be held in a transparent and peaceful manner.
In an interview, he said law enforcement agencies including police are vigilant to monitor the security situation during the polling.
Irfan Siddiqui said all political parties are taking active role in the LG polls to serve the masses at the grassroots level.
Lahore High Court has conditionally allowed Media to announce results of local bodies’ elections.
The court ordered that media can announce unofficial results after one hour of end of polling without creating sensation.
