ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister on Wednesday approved the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) request for the deployment of 350,000 troops for elections. According to the sources, for the deployment of troops, defense minister has decided to call back the army, navy and air force personnel who have retired two years ago. The retired personnel would be given the same powers as of an on-duty military personnel on the election day, sources added. Moreover, the army will take up the security of Printing Corporation of Pakistan on June 27, which is responsible for the publishing of ballot papers. However, the army will take up the election duties four days prior to the election day, July 25. The ECP had requested for the deployment of 350,000 armed forces personnel in upcoming general elections. ECP had forwarded a request to the Ministry of Defence for the deployment of troops. The military will also maintain law and order during the elections. Two armed officials will be deployed inside the polling stations and two officers will be present outside. Reportedly, the army personnel will be deployed in total 85,000 polling stations. Caretaker premier Justice (retd) Nasir-ul-Mulk visited the ECP today where he met with Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Sardar Raza Khan. The PM was briefed over ECP’s preparations for the upcoming elections.