Voting in by-elections concludes peacefully

LAHORE:

By-elections held across Punjab on Sunday concluded peacefully amid extensive security measures.

According to Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar, personnel from the district police, Punjab Constabulary, Elite Force, Special Protection Unit, PHP and the Training Branch were deployed across the national and provincial assemblies' constituencies to ensure a secure polling environment.

Female officers were posted at women-only polling stations and booths to facilitate voters. CCTV cameras were installed at sensitive locations and polling stations, enabling real-time monitoring through the Central Police Office, Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) and district control rooms.

The IGP said support from Rangers and the Pakistan Army had strengthened efforts to deter any sabotage.

He said a detailed security plan, prepared in coordination with all relevant departments, had covered logistics, communication and transportation to ensure uninterrupted election activity.

In Lahore, where more than 5,000 officials were deployed, police said the security remained on high alert throughout the day. Lahore police set up 132 pickets and 322 checkpoints across the provincial capital, while three SPs, six SDPOs and 24 SHOs supervised operations.

CCPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana said the security plan was executed "in a well-coordinated and disciplined manner", ensuring smooth polling and an atmosphere free of intimidation.