Security plan cobbled up

Despite fears of security and law and order issues associated with the upcoming general elections, the Punjab police have devised a comprehensive strategy to ensure the peaceful and transparent conduct of polls on February 8.

These views were expressed by Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar during his visit to Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

“There are 184,000 personnel available for election-related duties of which 130,000 have been assigned duties,” the IGP said, insisting that a total of 227,000 personnel were required and meeting with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was pending to finalise the arrangements.

Dr Anwar reiterated the Punjab police’s commitment to ensuring fair and transparent elections under the auspices of security measures. The security plan includes preparations for carrying ballot boxes to and from the polling stations under the watch of tight security, he explained.

Responding to a question regarding the expected completion of the Rawalpindi Safe City project, the IGP said it was slated for completion by January 31. He added that all police stations in Rawalpindi were upgraded under the Special Initiative Police Station.

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“The Police Animal Rescue Centre has also been inaugurated to protect stray animals around the city,” the IGP told the media.

Earlier, Dr Anwar visited the Rawalpindi Safe City Project and Special Initiative Police Station Civil Lines and Sadar Beruni and signed various agreements for welfare projects.

Talking to the media the IGP said, Rs204 million have been spent for welfare while Rs400 million have been saved in salaries, which is being invested in more advantageous projects. In addition to this, the police have handed out promotions to officers as well.

Among the welfare projects, was the establishment of a petrol pump in Gujranwala. Two more petrol pumps are being established in Rawalpindi under the welfare project.

Similarly, agreements have been made with more than 600 NGOs under public-private partnerships. These include projects such as protection centres for destitute children and trans-persons.

The IGP disclosed that solar panels have been installed in police stations for the first time. He concluded by discussing the training of officers and ensuring a seamless transition for the force.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2024.