150 ICT cops deployed in G-B

PPP urges govt to avoid 'Punjab-style' tactics in sensitive region

ISLAMABAD:

With general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) scheduled for Sunday, large-scale security arrangements are being put in place, including the deployment of thousands of police personnel from Punjab and the federal capital.

According to officials, in addition to 6,000 personnel from the Punjab Police, 150 policemen from the security division of Islamabad Capital Territory Police have been assigned election duty in G-B. Overall, around 2,000 personnel are expected to be dispatched to the region to ensure security during the polls.

The 150 ICT policemen selected for duty had been performing sensitive assignments in the federal capital, including guarding high-profile installations and escorting foreign delegations. These personnel will depart for G-B on Thursday under tight security arrangements and are scheduled to return to Islamabad on June 9.

Breakdown of the deployed ICT personnel shows that 30 officials have been selected from the Special Protection Unit, five from the President's House, 20 from the Prime Minister's House, six from the Prime Minister's Office, 10 from Foreign Office security duty, and another 10 from the high-security zone.

The security division of Islamabad Police is responsible for guarding key installations including the President's House, PM House, Parliament, Police Lines, Special Services Group (SSG) Lines, and the District Judicial Complex, while also providing security to foreign delegations and Chinese nationals.

Meanwhile, convoys carrying Punjab Police personnel have already begun departing from Rawalpindi and Lahore. These convoys are being escorted by armed policemen and accompanied by Rescue 1122 ambulances to ensure safe transportation to the mountainous region.

However, the deployment has drawn criticism from opposition quarters. PPP Secretary Information Nadeem Afzal Chan raised concerns over the presence of Punjab Police in G-B and alleged involvement of federal and Punjab ministers in the PML-N election campaign.

He remarked that Punjab Police must remember they are operating in Gilgit-Baltistan, warning that a "Punjab-style attitude" would not be acceptable in the sensitive region. He stressed that local populations must be treated with respect and responsibility given the sensitive nature of the region.

Chan also questioned the role of the Election Commission of Pakistan, asking on what basis federal and provincial ministers were being allowed to participate in election campaigns and public rallies.