All set for 13 by-polls in Punjab

Cops deployed to enforce ECP Code, Section 144, arms ban

LAHORE:

To ensure peaceful polling in by-elections in 13 constituencies of the national and provincial assemblies on Sunday, the Punjab Police has finalised a plan to deploy more than 20,000 personnel.

According to a spokesperson, Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar has directed the regional and district police chiefs to implement a zero-tolerance policy on violations of the Election Commission of Pakistan's code of conduct, restrictions under Section 144 and the ban on display of weapons.

The inspector general of police said security teams had been mobilised for the safe transportation of election material, with "foolproof arrangements" in place to ensure timely delivery to polling stations.

A total of 2,792 polling stations have been established across the constituencies, including 939 for men, 889 for women and 964 joint.

Of these, 408 polling stations have been declared highly sensitive and 1,032 sensitive.

Closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed at all highly sensitive stations, with real-time monitoring to be carried out from the Central Police Office, Safe Cities Authority, and control rooms at the district level.

Personnel from Punjab Constabulary, Elite Force, Special Protection Unit, Punjab Highway Patrol, Dolphin Squad, Special Branch and Counter-Terrorism Department are also.involved in the election duty, while women police officers will be deployed at ladies' polling stations.

Rangers and the Pakistan Army will also be on standby to support the administration.

Dr Usman expressed confidence that the police would ensure smooth and peaceful polling, adding that coordinated security, logistics, communication and transportation plans had been finalised in consultation with relevant institutions. "Every cowardly attempt by terrorists, miscreants and anti-state elements will be strongly thwarted," he said.

Authorities in Lahore have completed arrangements for the NA-129 by-election for the National Assembly, where 558,364 voters — 289,339 men and 269,025 women — are registered.

Officials said 334 polling stations have been set up in 132 buildings, of which 26 buildings containing 110 polling stations fall under the sensitive category. Another 224 polling stations have been set up in 106 Category B buildings.

A total of 1,045 polling booths — 541 for men and 504 for women — have been established. For security duties, 5,152 police personnel, including 402 women officers, have been deployed.

Election material was dispatched from the returning officer's office in Township under strict police supervision and delivered to designated locations.

In Dera Ghazi Khan, the police intensified a large-scale crackdown on wanted criminals and suspicious elements ahead of Sunday's by-elections, following directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the IGP.

District Police Officer Muhammad Ali Wasim supervised joint operations across police station jurisdictions, using special lists and databases to trace proclaimed offenders, habitual and suspected criminals.

Security checks have been tightened at the district entry and exit points, while snap-checking has been expanded. At strengthened checkpoints, police were inspecting vehicles and individuals, and verifying identity records.

The DPO stated that a zero-tolerance policy is being enforced against lawbreakers and mafias endangering peace. He instructed officers to operate professionally, lawfully, and respectfully while taking firm action against those attempting to disrupt public safety during the polls.

Officials said the arrangements would continue until the completion of the electoral process and restoration of normal policing duties.