Over 300 poll stations declared sensitive

Capital police to ensure heightened security measures

ISLAMABAD:

As Islamabad gears up for the upcoming general elections on February 8, 306 polling stations have been declared sensitive, prompting heightened security measures.

Preparations are underway to establish 990 polling stations across the city for three National Assembly constituencies.

A finalised security plan for the polling day includes the cancellation of federal police holidays until further notice. A deployment of ten thousand police officers, personnel, and FC personnel is planned throughout the district.

Notably, three sensitive polling stations will be equipped with closed-circuit cameras, and both police and Rangers will be assigned security duties at these locations.

A high-level meeting chaired by ICCPO Dr Akbar Nasir Khan held at the CPO office, involved key police officers, SSP Operations, AIG Operations, and DPOs. The meeting addressed concerns about delayed funds for election duties, emphasising the need for timely releases to avoid operational delays.

Read   Over 5,000 polling stations sensitive

To enhance administrative efficiency, the capital will be divided into east and west parts under the supervision of DIG-level officers during the election. All leaves for police personnel have been cancelled, and a ban on holidays is in effect until further notice. Additional personnel, including volunteers and retired police officers, will be hired for supplementary and disciplinary duties.

The district administration has been requested to provide 500 women volunteers for women's polling stations.

Stricter adherence to the election code of conduct was stressed during the meeting, with a clear directive against the display of arms, protests, aerial firing, or any disturbance of public order before, during, and after the election. A senior officer from the federal police confirmed that the security arrangements involve 990 polling stations, with 306 designated as sensitive and equipped with closed-circuit cameras.

A central control room will be established at police headquarters to monitor the overall security arrangements and law and order situation.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th, 2024.