The federal government has approved a multi-tier deployment of the Pakistan Army, civil armed forces, and police for upcoming by-elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to support the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) during the upcoming by-elections, officials said.

The deployment, effective from November 22 to 24, grants officers in charge first-class magistrate powers under the Criminal Procedure Code, allowing them to take summary action against lawbreakers.

Troops will serve in a standby and response mode, while Rangers are tasked as rapid-response units in a third defensive layer.

Authorities said the deployment aims to ensure a transparent, fair, and lawful electoral process, with strict measures to prevent riots, unlawful activity, or obstruction. The forces have also been empowered under the Anti-Terrorism Act to maintain security.

Deployment will cover constituencies in Faisalabad, Muzaffargarh, Dera Ghazi Khan, Haripur, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Lahore, and Mianwali.

Officials emphasised that the arrangements are intended to guarantee smooth polling and safeguard voters and election staff.

The announcement comes after the ECP flagged security concerns in NA-18 Haripur, where Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s recent speech reportedly intimidated election officials.

The ECP directed local authorities to enforce security protocols and prevent disruption or unlawful activity.

A spokesperson for CM Afridi said the chief minister’s remarks were taken out of context and reiterated the government’s commitment to impartial and transparent elections.