• Defence ministry’s response came after ECP requested.
• The deployment of the armed forces was not feasible.
• Armed forces will be engaged in the census process.

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Defence has excused itself from providing security for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab Assembly elections and the by-elections of National Assembly constituencies.

The defence ministry’s response came after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) requested the interior ministry to seek assistance from the armed forces to provide security cover during the elections.

In its letter to the interior ministry, the Defence Ministry apologised that it could not provide the static deployment of rangers and Frontier Corps for the upcoming by-elections, as, according to them, the deployment of the armed forces was not feasible.

The defense ministry told the interior secretary that the armed forces and civil armed forces were currently engaged in border management and internal security management.

Threats of terrorism are on the rise in the country, said the ministry. Moreover, the armed forces will be engaged in the census process from February 27 to April 3 this year, it was said.

However, the Punjab Rangers will be available as the Quick Response Force during these elections.

On the other hand, replying to the ECP’s letter, the Finance Ministry has asked the election-conducting authority to postpone its demand for the additional grant in the wider national interest.

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The finance ministry requested the election commission to delay its request for the grant until the economic situation of the country improves.