Police to secure surety bonds to prevent violence

Detailed security arrangements finalised for polls

LAHORE:

In preparation for the upcoming general elections, Lahore police, has devised a strategy to enhance security by collecting surety bonds from individuals with a history of longstanding enmity.

The decision was made during a crucial meeting at Police Lines Qilla Gujjar Singh.

Key officials, including DIG (Operations) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, reviewed security measures and election protocols.

CCPO Kamyana, emphasizing zero tolerance for law violations, announced strict action against aerial firing and the display of weapons during the election campaign and on polling day.

Surety bonds will be obtained from individuals known for longstanding enmity, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining order during the election process. CCPO Lahore stressed that stringent measures would be implemented against those who defy the law during the election campaign and polling.

Supervisory officers received directives to stay in constant communication with District Returning Officers, Presiding Officers, District Administration, and other stakeholders. Regular visits to polling stations, camp offices, and duty points were emphasised to ensure adequate arrangements.

Read: Election violence mars Balochistan, K-P

Police officers and officials were instructed to remain vigilant throughout the election process, ensuring the secure transfer of polling materials. Negligence in duty will be met with departmental action.

Dolphin Force, Special Protection Unit, and Elite Force teams were designated for continuous patrols on polling day, with additional traffic police deployed for public convenience.

The commitment to ensuring peaceful election activities and polling in the provincial capital was reiterated.

Reflecting a broader perspective, the meeting aligned with the video link meeting chaired by IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar, where RPOs and DPOs of the province assessed the finalised security plan for potential loopholes.

The meeting acknowledged the changed security landscape post recent attacks in Baluchistan and KPK, especially targeting political parties.

IG Punjab disclosed that a total of 49,956 polling stations are spread across the province, with 5,577 declared highly sensitive, 14,056 as sensitive, and 30,323 categorized as normal.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd, 2024.