The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has reiterated holding by-elections for nine national and three provincial assembly seats as per schedule, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Tuesday. 

A meeting under Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja reviewed preparations for by-polls scheduled for October 16, 2022. 

The meeting was attended by members of the Election Commission in addition to the Secretary Election Commission. Senior officers and provincial election commissioners also participated in the meeting through a video link. 

It has been decided in the meeting that by-elections in nine constituencies of the National Assembly and three constituencies of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab will be held on October 16 as ECP has completed the all arrangements in this regard. 

The participants were told that ECP is in touch with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior for the deployment of the Pakistan Army, Rangers, and Frontier Corps for the peaceful conduct of the elections.

The ECP sought to enhance the deployment of Quick Response Force (QRF) and frequent flag marches to cope with any eventuality. These steps were necessary as the present atmosphere in the constituencies was politically-charged.

Reporter: Usman Khan