KARACHI: Sindh Chief Secretary (CS) Major (retd) Azam Suleman Khan said, on Monday, that foolproof security will be ensured not just during polls but also after announcement of the election result. This he said while presiding over a meeting convened to review arrangements made for general elections. The meeting discussed various agendas including security plan, missing facilities, installation of CCTV cameras at sensitive polling stations, lady searchers, emergency plan for hospitals and transportation plan. The meeting was attended by the Sindh Inspector General of Police (IG) Amjad Javed Saleemi, Provincial Election Commissioner, Home Secretary, Information Secretary Qasi Shahid Parvez, representatives of law enforcing agencies (LEAs). All divisional commissioners participated in the meeting via a video conference. During the meeting, Sindh CS reaffirmed that conducting ‘free, fair and peaceful’ election was the top most priority of the provincial government. A representative of National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) briefed the CS about the progress being made in installation of CCTV cameras at polling stations. The NRTC representative informed Sindh CS that CCTV cameras had been installed at sensitive polling stations and cameras will be installed in a few improvised polling stations by Monday. On this, Major (retd) Azam Suleman Khan said that the process of installation of 21000 CCTV cameras at 5673 sensitive polling stations across Sindh will be completed by Monday. “All missing facilities have been provided successfully and generators and UPSs will be provided today” added the Chief Secretary. Sindh IG Amjad Javed Saleemi also briefed the meeting on the occasion. He informed the participants about pre and post election security arrangement and expanded on the transportation plan. IG Sindh told the meeting that Sindh Police, Rangers and other LEA’s had developed a close coordination and resorted to information sharing in order to avoid any unwanted situation. The Chief Secretary directed IG Sindh to take stern action against the elements involved in aerial firing and firework after announcements of the result. The Chief Secretary further asserted that all the International and National Observers and Media personnel should follow code of the conduct and SOP issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The CS also directed Health, Information and other important departments to remain open on election day and ensure that their staff is present. Earlier on, all Divisional Commissioners apprised the meeting regarding provision of missing facilities, presence of polling staff and other issues related to general elections. The CS directed all commissioners and Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) to remain in field, visit polling stations and ensure foolproof arrangements for the upcoming elections. The CS emphasized on presence of all polling staff and warned that strict disciplinary action will be taken against employees who remain absent from their election duties. Chief Secretary Azam Suleman Khan also directed the Home Secretary to ensure that all mobile towers vans to reach at remote areas of the province to ensure uninterrupted network supply on election day. The Chief Secretary, while commending his team, said that he was optimistic that the whole process of general election will go smoothly and peacefully. Published in Daily Times, July 24th 2018.