UMERKOT: All preparations have been finalised for the by-election in the National Assembly Constituency NA-213 scheduled for today (April 17).

It was confirmed at a high-level meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Umerkot under the chairmanship of Provincial Election Commissioner (Sindh) Ejaz Anwar Chauhan.

Mr Chauhan emphasised that conducting transparent and impartial elections was the foremost responsibility of the election commission. He urged all election staff to carry out their duties with integrity and diligence to ensure a fair electoral process.

He reiterated the importance of strict compliance with the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) code of conduct by both officials and candidates.

He highlighted that maintaining the law and order was crucial during the electoral process, especially to allow voters to exercise their right to vote in a peaceful environment.

Mr Chauhan directed all concerned departments to ensure provision of basic facilities at polling stations and warned of strict action against negligence.

Briefing the meeting on the preparations, Regional Election Commissioner (Mirpurk­has) Imtiaz Kalhoro said NA-213 had a total of 608,997 registered voters, including 321,686 men and 287,311 women. Out of the 21 candidates, who submitted nomination papers, three withdrew and 18 remained in the race.

A total of 498 polling stations and 1,816 polling booths have been set up — 944 for men and 872 for women, he said.

A polling staff comprising 4,628 officials will be deployed while monitoring cells have been established at the district and regional levels. Transport arrangements for polling materials and staff have also been completed.

District Returning Officer Naveedur Rehman Larik confirmed that all logistical arrangements had been finalised. He informed that CCTV cameras were being installed at sensitive polling stations and that any negligence on the part of polling staff would be dealt legally.

On the security front, Umerkot SSP Uzair Ahmed stated that a detailed and robust security plan had been implemented. A total of 4,200 police personnel will be deployed across the constituency, including forces from other districts. Out of the 498 polling stations, 91 have been declared highly sensitive, 269 sensitive and 138 normal.

Each highly sensitive polling station will have eight police personnel, sensitive ones six and normal stations four.

It was said that seven SSPs, 12 DSPs and police personnel from other districts would be on security duties.

A total of 586 Quick Response Force (QRF) officers, along with vehicles, will handle emergency situations. Security teams will also oversee the protection of election officials and materials while additional officers have been assigned for logistics, supervision and reserve duties.

Section 144 has been enforced in the district, and SSP Ahmed has warned that any violation will result in strict legal consequences. He assured full enforcement of the ECP’s code of conduct and a peaceful environment for voters on the polling day.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2025