Daily Times

LAHORE: The conduct of transparent elections in a peaceful environment is the fundamental responsibility of Punjab police therefore all RPOs and DPOs should constitute a security plan of polling day under their own supervision.

Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr Syed Kalim Imam expressed these views while addressing all RPOs via video link conference at Central Police Office on Tuesday.

He further said that a code of conduct during elections devised by the Election Commission of Pakistan should be followed strictly and ensured in any case. He said that there should be no delay in action against the persons who violate rules and regulations and if any police officer or official was found partial at any place, then a strict and exemplary action will be taken against them.

He said that political candidates should be provided security and also resources should be utilised to make security arrangements for upcoming election processions, corner meetings and other political congregations. He moreover said that all RPOs and DPOs should pay visits to police stations and ensure peace and implementation of orders, adding that process of monitoring and checking over exit and entering points should be ensured strictly. He further said that crackdown against criminals and anti social elements of society should be boosted and operations under supervision of DPOs to arrest criminals involved in terrorism murder, dacoity and ransom.

IG Punjab has directed the senior police officers that to protect the wealth and lives of the people, actions should be taken to eliminate criminals and a comprehensive strategy should be carved against anti social elements with iron hands.

He said that the duty of the police is to maintain law and order during the elections and “we will leave no stone unturned for this cause”.

IG Punjab has directed the senior officials that police has no political affiliation with any political party and that the job of the police is to conduct free and fair elections peacefully in the province.

Special security measures should be taken for voters and particularly for the security of sensitive polling stations on Election Day. He said that special plan should be laid for the patrolling forces including Dolphin, PERU and other patrolling forces. He also ordered strict checking of vehicles and citizens on inter provincial border check posts to ensure safety and security of the citizens, adding that notorious criminals should be dealt with iron hands and strict action should be taken against the ones who are supporting such criminals.

Published in Daily Times, June 27^th 2018.