In a significant development, the federal cabinet, under the leadership of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, has given its approval for the deployment of the Pakistan Army in the upcoming elections of 2024. This decision, made unanimously, aims to ensure a secure and orderly electoral process.
The Army will play a crucial role as the Red Response Force in sensitive constituencies, working alongside the Civil Armed Forces. With the deployment of a substantial contingent comprising 277,000 officers and personnel from the Pakistan Army, as well as Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel, a quick response force will be in place to maintain security in sensitive areas during the general elections scheduled for February 8.
The decision to deploy the military in the elections came after careful consideration of a summary submitted by the Federal Ministry of Interior, which highlighted the importance of military services in creating a secure electoral environment. The approval of this summary marks a significant step towards ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.
In preparation for the upcoming elections, the Election Commission has taken additional measures to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. As part of these efforts, the Commission has frozen the funds of all local government departments. This move aims to prevent any undue influence or misuse of resources that could compromise the fairness of the elections.
Apart from the election-related matters, the federal cabinet also discussed a summary on the restructuring of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). While thorough discussions took place, a conclusive decision on the restructuring was not reached during the cabinet meeting. However, the Prime Minister has taken proactive measures by establishing a committee to further evaluate and consider the proposed reforms within the FBR. The objective of these reforms is to enhance the organizational efficiency of the board.
The approval for the deployment of the Pakistan Army in the upcoming elections reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring a secure and transparent electoral process. By having a strong military presence in sensitive areas, the government aims to instill confidence in the electorate and deter any attempts to disrupt the electoral process.
It is important to note that the deployment of the military in elections is not uncommon in many countries around the world. The presence of the Army and Civil Armed Forces serves as a deterrent against any potential threats to the electoral process, ensuring that voters can exercise their democratic rights freely and without fear.
As the nation prepares for the upcoming elections, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to create an environment that fosters trust and confidence in the electoral process. The deployment of the Pakistan Army, along with other security measures, will contribute to this goal and help maintain the integrity of the elections.
In conclusion, the recent approval by the federal cabinet to deploy the Pakistan Army in the upcoming elections of 2024 is a significant step towards ensuring a secure and orderly electoral process. With the military acting as the Red Response Force in sensitive constituencies, voters can have confidence in the integrity of the elections. As the government continues to take proactive measures, such as the committee for FBR restructuring, it demonstrates its commitment to enhancing the efficiency of key institutions.