On the instructions of Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, security arrangements for the by-elections being held in 13 national and provincial constituencies across Punjab have been completed. Punjab Police spokesperson said that more than 20,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed to perform security duties for the by-elections.
IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar said that Punjab Police will provide voters with a peaceful and secure environment so that citizens can exercise their right to vote without fear or hesitation. A policy of zero tolerance will be adopted against violations of the Election Commission’s code of conduct, Section 144, and the ban on weapons.
IG Punjab said that the transportation and movement of election material is underway, for which foolproof arrangements have been made to ensure safe delivery. Police force has been deployed at 939 male, 889 female, and 964 joint polling stations across the province, while out of a total of 2,792 polling stations, 408 have been declared highly sensitive and 1,032 sensitive. CCTV cameras have been installed at highly sensitive polling stations, and the polling process will be monitored moment by moment. Security monitoring will be carried out from the Central Police Office, Safe Cities Authority, and district control and monitoring rooms.
IG Punjab said that the police force is confident, and, Insha Allah, will ensure the peaceful conduct of the by-elections. In consultation with the concerned institutions, the security, logistics, communication, and transportation plan has been prepared. He said that with the support of institutions, every cowardly attempt by terrorists, miscreants, and anti-state elements will be strongly thwarted.
Personnel from Punjab Constabulary, PHP, Elite Force, SPU, and Training Branch will also be deployed for election duty, while female police personnel will perform duties at ladies’ polling stations and booths. During the by-elections, Punjab Police will also have full support from Rangers and the Pakistan Army. All formations, including Dolphin Squad, Special Branch, and CTD, have been included in the election security plan.