LAHORE: Overwhelming security arrangements have been finalised as NA-120 voters got to the polls in cliffhanger by-election today (Sunday). According to details, more than 8,000 police officials would be deployed on 220 sensitive polling stations in the constituency. A number of Pakistan Army and Rangers personnel would also perform security duties inside and outside the every polling station. Media coverage has also been banned inside polling stations. For the purpose, the constituency has been divided into five police zones, 11 circles, and 23 sub-sectors while six superintendents of police (SP), 18 deputy superintendents of police (DSP), 46 station house officers (SHOs) will be in charge of the zones and circles, respectively. Around 30 teams of Elite Force, Dolphin Force, Police Response Unit and 8,000 constables will be on duty within the constituency. Meanwhile, a conference chaired by Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Amin Wains at the Alhamra on Saturday decided that the city police would remain neutral and impartial during the by-election. Members of political parties, DIG (Operations) Dr Haider Ashraf, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Sameer Sayed and others attended the conference. Speaking on the occasion, the CCPO said that poll code of conduct would be implemented in true letter and spirit. “No candidate will be allowed to move with their armed private guards,” he said, adding that zero tolerance policy would be implemented in case of displaying arms and aerial firing. DIG (Operations) Dr Haider Ashraf said that according to ECP security plan, 10 to 20 army officials would be deputed inside and outside of all sensitive polling stations to avoid any untoward incidents. Separately, the City Traffic Police has also evolved a comprehensive traffic plan to ensure smooth flow of traffic on various busy roads to facilitate the citizens during the by-polls. Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rai Ijaz said that they the traffic police had finalized traffic plan to ensure smooth flow of traffic outside polling stations, Election Commission Office, returning officer’s office and other busy roads. Under the security plan, army personnel would also patrol city roads, while the Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) would also remain alert. Published in Daily Times, September 17th 2017.