ISLAMABAD, July 17: For the first time in the electoral history of the country, the Election Commission has decided to provide transport to voters in the by-election for the NA-151 (Multan VI seat) being held on Thursday.

An official of the Election Commission said on Tuesday that 71 vehicles had been hired to provide transport to voters of 29 of the 245 polling stations. He also said the commission would provide transport to all voters in the next general elections. He said the vehicles would ply for the entire day to take voters to and from polling stations.

“The commission has barred candidates from providing transport to voters and it will implement the decision in letter and spirit,” he said.

The Multan seat fell vacant after the disqualification of former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on a contempt of court charge. His son, Abdul Qadir Gilani, is contesting the election on a PPP ticket.—Iftikhar A. Khan