NA-171 Khanpur By-Election: Voting Procedures and Security Enhanced

Khanpur-Polling is currently taking place in the NA-171 Khanpur constituency in Rahim Yar Khan, where a crucial by-election is underway. This election, which follows the death of PTI member Mumtaz Mustafa Advocate, is drawing significant attention due to the close competition between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The voting process began at 8:00 AM and will continue until 5:00 PM, allowing voters ample time to participate in the electoral process. The by-election features a total of seven candidates, but the primary contest is between Makhdoom Tahir Rashiduddin of the PPP and Hasaan Mustafa Advocate of the PTI.

In total, 526,973 voters are eligible to cast their votes in this constituency. This number includes 288,113 male voters and 238,860 female voters. To accommodate these voters, the Election Commission has established 301 polling stations throughout the constituency. Among these, 88 are designated specifically for men, 88 for women, and 125 are set up for joint use. Additionally, there are 901 polling booths available—510 for men, 391 for women, and 125 for joint use.

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To ensure a smooth and peaceful election, the Election Commission has deployed 301 presiding officers, 15 reserve presiding officers, 946 assistant presiding officers, 946 polling officers, and 301 deputy messengers. The returning officer for the constituency is Assistant Commissioner Rahim Yar Khan, Waqas Zafar.

Security measures have been heightened to ensure the safety and integrity of the election process. The constituency has been divided into four sectors and 23 sub-sectors, with a substantial police presence of 2,700 officers assigned to maintain law and order. Out of the 301 polling stations, 62 have been classified as sensitive. These stations are being closely monitored by CCTV cameras and are protected by elite security forces, including the Elite Force and the Quick Response Force (QRF).

A main control room at the District Police Office (DPO) is overseeing the election activities. This control room is staffed by three senior police officers and 20 IT experts who are responsible for real-time monitoring and response coordination.

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To further safeguard the election process and prevent any disturbances, Section 144 has been imposed in the constituency. This regulation prohibits the display and firing of weapons and enforces compliance with the Election Commission’s code of conduct. The ban is in effect from September 11th to 13th, as outlined in the notification from the Punjab Home Department. During this period, the possession of licensed weapons is restricted to law enforcement personnel only.

Overall, the by-election in NA-171 Khanpur is a critical event with significant political implications. The comprehensive arrangements for polling, security, and oversight aim to ensure a fair and orderly election process. As the day progresses, the focus remains on maintaining peace and facilitating a smooth voting experience for all eligible voters.

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