By-polls held amid strict security

Punjab Police made strict security arrangements for by-elections in 1,434 polling stations in six districts of the province to support the Election Commission of Pakistan in holding peaceful polls on Sunday.

Elements causing disturbance of peace after the results would also face come under the grip of the law, a police spokesman warned.

Inspector General of Police Faisal Shahkar said 23,000 officials remained on high alert in the six constituencies of the National and Punjab assemblies where the by-elections were held. The IGP continuously monitored the situation from an Election Control Room established in the Central Police Office, while the regional and district police officers concerned monitored the election security arrangements in their jurisdiction.

The spokesperson said the police had made fool-proof arrangements for the safe delivery of election material and ballot boxes to all 1,434 polling stations in the six constituencies for the by-elections.

Lady officials were appointed at women's polling booths and the polling process was not allowed to be affected at any place while ensuring proper implementation of the code of conduct of the Election Commission.

The police spokesperson warned of legal action and zero tolerance for any violation, including aerial firing, display of weapons, keeping armed guards and fighting during the election process.

In the districts deemed sensitive as per security risks, additional personnel the anti-riots and reserve force remained on standby to maintain law and order.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 17^th, 2022.