Sheikhupura police temporarily confiscate licensed weapons
Law enforcement agencies claimed to have killed eight terrorists in an encounter on Sharaqpur Road, Sheikhupura district, on Thursday. PHOTO: WASEEM NIAZ/EXPRESS/File
Police have initiated operations targeting individuals possessing firearms across the district.
During the crackdown on illegal weapons, the Sheikhupura police have registered a total of 170 cases, leading to the arrest of suspects and the recovery of a substantial arsenal, including 18 Kalashnikovs, 11 rifles, nine guns, two revolvers, 129 pistols, 3163 bullets, and cartridges.
To further ensure a secure election environment, the police have temporarily confiscated licensed weapons until the conclusion of the election process, preventing the display of firearms and potential harassment.
Notably, 110 pistols, 297 Kalashnikovs, 213 rifles, 139 weapons of 12 bore, eight shotguns, and two G3s, along with their corresponding ammunition, have been seized.
These confiscated items will be returned to their respective license holders after the peaceful conclusion of the General Election.
In an effort to strictly enforce the election code of conduct and maintain law and order during the campaign, District Police Officer Zahid Nawaz Marwat has taken decisive action against individuals with a history of criminal activities and those causing disruptions to peace. The police have arrested 534 individuals, obtaining surety bonds from approximately 700 troublemakers.
Addressing the media in relation to the recent general election, District Police Officer Zahid Nawaz Marwat emphasized that the Sheikhupura police have unequivocally communicated to the public and election campaign organizers, irrespective of their political affiliations, that the police will not tolerate any attempts to take the law into one's own hands.
The Election Commission's code of conduct will be rigorously enforced, and anyone found in violation will face immediate imprisonment.
The code explicitly prohibits the display of weapons and harassment during the election process. Therefore, under the zero-tolerance policy, numerous actions have been taken to uphold law and order, with a commitment to continued actions against any future violations.
Earlier, for the peaceful and transparent conduct of general elections 2024, the Election Commission of Pakistan issued guidelines to ensure security and transport for the polling staff and election material in reaching the polling stations and then returning safely back to the offices of the returning officers after polling.
The ECP has also issued orders for the completion of all arrangements five days before the election day scheduled for February 8.
The electoral body also hinted at taking disciplinary action under Section 55 of the Elections Act, 2017 against the staff who would be absent or show negligence during security duty.
Starting the work on the ECP guidelines in Rawalpindi, the Regional Transport Authority has completed 80% of the work of providing transport for election duty.
The Punjab police chief said 120,000 security personnel had been deployed for the elections in the province against 60,000 in the previous polls.
However, he claimed that the province was still facing a shortage of 92,000 security personnel at polling stations, He pointed out that there would be over 50,000 polling stations for the upcoming elections.
It has been directed in the guidelines that committees headed by each district returning officer check for movement and requirement of vehicle for transportation of polling staff and electoral materials from before the polling day to the end.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 5th, 2024.