Three polling stations blown up in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Three polling stations were blown up on Saturday by suspected militants in Pakistan's troubled northwestern tribal region bordering Afghanistan, sparking fears about the security during the general election on Monday.

The polling stations were destroyed in Khar, the centre of Bajaur tribal agency where three soldiers were recently killed in a roadside bomb attack.

There was no claim of responsibility for the attack on the polling stations.

About 81,000 troops have been deployed in sensitive areas across Pakistan, especially the tribal region and parts of the North West Frontier Province, to maintain law and order during the polls.

President Pervez Musharraf had said that shoot-at-sight orders were issued for those who would resort to killing and violence on the election day.

Bomb blasts, suicide attacks and the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto have hit the election campaign and the traditional enthusiasm for polls has been conspicuous by its absence.

Elections to two constituencies in the restive South Waziristan tribal area have been postponed due to security concerns.

The campaign will end tonight, 48 hours before polling. Election Commission Secretary Kanwar Dilshad said all arrangements have been finalised to hold polls in a transparent and peaceful manner.

He said there are around 12,000 sensitive polling stations across the country where the security would be especially tight. Around 4,000 foreign observers will monitor the election process, officials said.