Precautionary measures: City admin requests enhanced security for polls

At least 62 polling stations have been declared ‘sensitive’ by Islamabad Police


Rizwan Shehzad November 28, 2015
At least 62 polling stations have been declared ‘sensitive’ by Islamabad Police. PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMABAD: The city administration has almost completed security arrangements for polling day.

A battalion of the Pakistan Army, 650 rangers, and around 8,000 police personnel will perform security duties on the day of the first ever citywide local government elections in Islamabad on November 30.

Out of the 640 polling stations in 50 union councils of Islamabad, 62 have been declared ‘sensitive’ by the Special Branch of the Islamabad Police.

These 62 stations are located in jurisdiction of police stations Tarnol, Aabpara, Khanna, Shakrial, Kuri Road, Pindorian,
Nilore, Industrial Area, Sihala, Noon, Golra, Karachi Company, Bhara Kahu, Kohsar, Shahzad Town and some slums around the capital.

Severe differences such as old rivalries, personal enmities, political, religious, and ethnic differences have been cited among the reasons for declaring these stations sensitive, according to the intelligence report. There are fears that these tensions may result in possible clashes among contesting candidates in these areas on polling day.

Relying on these reports, the city administration through the Ministry of Interior had earlier requested the Defense Ministry for the deployment of one army battalion spread across 62 sensitive polling stations.

The administration also asked for the deployment of 650 rangers personnel, who will be deputed at all polling stations to deal with any untoward situation.

A complete ban has also been imposed on carrying or exhibiting weapons during
the elections. In addition, the police have also placed a ban on aerial firing and fireworks.

The administration has provided details of armed license holders within the jurisdiction of all police stations in Islamabad to respective SHOs. These SHOs have been asked to collect and keep licensed weapons in their custody, which will be returned to owners following the elections.

Apart from the ICT police, the administration has also requested 3,000 police personnel as reinforcements from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and the Frontier Constabulary.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 29th, 2015.

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