KARACHI – The Election Commission of Pakistan has written a letter to IGP, Sindh, Ghulam Nabi Memon, to maintain security during the 2nd phase of the local government(LG) elections in the province.

In the second phase, local government polls are scheduled to be held in Karachi & Hyderabad divisions on Jan 15 & the ECP’s preparations have entered the final stages.

Meanwhile, the head of ECP’s Sindh chapter has directed the secretary of the electoral body to reach Karachi ahead of the elections.

The much-awaited LG(local government) polls will be held in 25 towns of seven districts of Karachi division comprising Karachi Central District, Karachi East District, Karachi South District, Karachi West District, Korangi District, Malir District & Keamari District. The polling will also be conducted in Hyderbad division’s nine districts including Hyderabad, Tando Mohammad Khan, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Badin, Dadu, Jamshoro, Thatta & District Sujawal.

Earlier this week, the ECP rejected a petition of the MQM-P, seeking use of new voter lists for the Karachi & Hyderabad local government elections. The electoral watchdog ruled out further delay in the polls & said the second phase of the Sindh LG elections would be held on Jan 15 & the chief secretary and the IGP should ensure peaceful polls.