Andrew McEntee and Jeroen de Vries, accompanied by interpreter Muhammad Kamran, also held a detailed meeting the Thatta deputy commissioner Agha Shahnawaz Babar regarding the upcoming election.

The delegation also visited a number of social activists and members of civil society to ascertain the level of interest and involvement of voters and their opinions about political parties and individual candidates.

During their prolonged stay, the EU delegates would visit various areas in Badin, Thatta and Hyderabad districts, visit candidates, people and civil society members and then compile a report about their observations.

Security arrangements in Thatta Heavy police contingents and Rangers men will be deployed in the district to maintain law and order during the polling process.

According to the security plan prepared by the Thatta police, Army’s help could be also be sought in case of emergencies.

Out of total 641 polling stations in the district, 156 were declared sensitive and 74 highly sensitive. Around 2,500 government employees would work as presiding officers, assistant presiding officers and polling officers on the election day.

11 junior officers Meanwhile, 11 junior officers working as additional district officer education were relieved of their duties by the education officer for Thatta district, Asghar Memon, on the directives of the Election Commission.—BoC