Local body by-elections, including Karachi, have been going on in 18 districts across Sindh.
Voting in Pakistan began at 8:00 AM and will run continuously until 5:00 PM, as reported by the Election Commission of Pakistan. On the ballot this year are 173 candidates from a wide range of political and religious affiliations. A fierce contest is set to unfold between PPP, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), and independent candidates backed by the PTI.
The by-elections in Karachi have been well prepared for in terms of security, with 136 out of 167 polling locations being deemed very sensitive and 26 being deemed sensitive. At each of the vulnerable voting places, eight to twelve police officers have been stationed.
The warning came during a meeting at the Karachi Police Office (KPO) that was chaired by City Police Chief Javed Alam Odho.
There is a possibility of violence between party supporters, according to police sources, in addition to the terror alert. More police have been sent out in an effort to prevent a confrontation.
Authorities should designate all voting booths as “very sensitive” and send Rangers to reduce the likelihood of rigging, according to JI’s Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar.
