Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman instructed all the deputy commissioners in the province on Monday to take action against the polling staff members who remain absent during training for the election duty.
He issued the instructions during a meeting convened to review the arrangements for the general elections. He stressed that the attendance of the staff during the training should be ensured and strict action taken against the absent officials.
The chief secretary termed holding free, fair and transparent elections an important national responsibility.
He said the requisite funds had been provided, therefore, no shortcoming in the polls arrangements would be acceptable. He said the transport and security plans are a very important part of election arrangements, adding that the components should be given special attention.
He said the deputy commissioners should review the preparations for the elections on a daily basis.
Provincial Election Commissioner Aijaz Anwer Chohan said all district returning officers should supervise the process of preparation of polling bags and ensure the provision of basic facilities at the polling stations.
He said the control rooms should be made more active for addressing complaints related to the general elections.
He stressed that equal opportunities must be provided to all stakeholders in the election process without discrimination.
The provincial election commissioner asserted that strict action should be taken against those who violate the election code of conduct.
He also issued instructions regarding the delivery of election material and ballot papers.
Punjab Local Government Secretary Ahmed Javed Qazi informed the participants during a briefing that firing and display of weapons would be banned under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) from February 1 to 12.
He said arrangements for installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the highly sensitive polling stations had been completed.
Read: Polling staff in K-P abandons training
Army, Rangers and police would carry out a flag march on February 5 and 7, he concluded.
Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar, the home secretary, officers of the Provincial Election Commission and the departments concerned attended the meeting, while all the divisional commissioners, regional and district police officers, and deputy commissioners participated through video link.
Meanwhile, the Lahore police announced that they had intensified a crackdown against illegal weapons in the run-up to the general elections.
Capital City Police Officer Bilal Siddique Kamyana stated that 808 cases or illegal weapons and 19 of arms display had been registered in Lahore during the ongoing month.
"Our operations have resulted in 16 Kalashnikovs, 49 rifles, 28 guns, 685 pistols and 6,174 bullets confiscated from suspects possessing illegal weapons. Additionally, two Kalashnikovs, five rifles and 17 pistols were seized under laws related to brandishing weapons,” he said.
"In tandem with these efforts, we have registered 194 cases for Sound Act violations, 313 under the Tenancy Act and 147 cases related to firing," he said. He said the police remained resolute against those possessing illegal weapons. He added that proactive measures would be persistently taken to ensure the citizens’ safety from anti-social elements.
He ordered the continuation of search operations across the city and legal action against individuals possessing unlicensed weapons.
"Citizens are encouraged to report instances of weapon display and firing by calling the helpline 15. This not only aids in immediate resolution but also enhances the police’s responsiveness, fostering a sense of security among the public," he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 23rd, 2024.
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