Massive security arrangements for polls

45,000 policemen including officers, private security guards will be deployed

KARACHI:

As the general elections draw near, the city police chief announced that strong contingents of 45,000 police personnel including officers will be on standby to ensure the security and integrity of the electoral process scheduled for February 8.

While speaking exclusively to The Express Tribune at the Karachi Police Office on Thursday, AIG Karachi Khadim Hussain Rind mentioned that the code of conduct released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would be followed in letter and spirit. Security measures will be further beefed up in the areas witnessing political rivalry between factions.

According to the AIG, the city police have devised a security plan for the general elections, where 5,500 polling stations will be established throughout the metropolis. The majority of these stations are classified as sensitive and highly sensitive. On the day of election, 45,000 police officers and volunteers will be deployed to ensure smooth conduct of elections.

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However, concerns were raised as the city police chief highlighted a shortage of 10,000 officers, especially expressing a significant deficit in female personnel, currently standing at a mere 1,000 officers. "We have presented our demand to the government, which has been approved," mentioned Rind, noting that lady health visitors will be provided by the government after brief training.

The IG office will also supplement the force with additional personnel.

To address staff shortfalls, private security guards will be hired for polling day duties, drawing teams from government departments specialising in anti-encroachment, anti-corruption, and excise. The Sindh government has sanctioned the budget for recruiting additional personnel, assured the AIG.

Designating specific roles, eight officials will be assigned to extremely sensitive voting locations, six to sensitive polling places, and four to normal polling stations on the election day. The AIG stressed that in the event of deteriorating law and order, the Quick Response Force (QRF) and Reserve Police, along with Rangers would be called in. The option of hiring recently retired officers and personnel is also uder consideration.

"We expect our staffing needs to be addressed promptly," the city police chief said. On the election day, only QRF officers will be authorised to carry firearms, with strict limitations on their use. The personnel will be equipped with gas guns, batons, and anti-riot gadgets to swiftly restore order if needed, he mentioned.