Election security: 2,383 polling stations declared ‘sensitive’

Security beefed up; surveillance cameras to be installed.

FAISALABAD:

As many as 2,383 polling stations in the division have been declared ‘sensitive’, police said on Saturday.

Police spokesman Inspector Aamir Waheed said out of 2,383, 609 polling stations were ‘most sensitive’.

He said 5,770 polling stations were being set up in Faisalabad division.

“After receiving reports prepared by security agencies, police have decided to increase its deployment and beef up security in the division,” Waheed said.

He said, “39,850 men including 17,191 special force jawans will be deputed at polling stations in the division. As many as 2,255 national volunteers have also been requested to perform duties on election days.”

In Faisalabad district alone, he said, 21,640 men including 8,600 policemen, 12,000 special force jawans and 1,040 volunteers would perform security duties.

In Jhang, 1,051 polling stations would be setup out of which 129 have been declared ‘most sensitive’ and 283 are ‘sensitive.’

In Toba Tek Singh 92 stations had been declared ‘most sensitive’ and 227 ‘sensitive.’



In Chiniot district, 553 polling stations would be set up out of which 137 have been declared most sensitive and 126 sensitive. 3,817 personnel including 3,042 policemen, 400 jawans of special force and 375 volunteers would be deployed.

Surveillance cameras

Security arrangements at polling stations in the division would include use of surveillance cameras, police said on Saturday.

Regional Police Officer (RPO) Tariq Masood Yasin said close-circuit TV (CCTV) cameras would be installed to monitor ‘sensitive’ polling stations.

He said, “Army as well as Pakistan Rangers can be called if needed.”

Yasin directed the police officials to not favour any political or religious group.

“No procession, rally, meeting or parking would be allowed near the polling stations. People who want to enter the stations would be searched using metal detectors and walkthrough gates.” He said.

He said if a candidate or supporter was found carrying a gun, the Election Commission of Pakistan would be immediately informed about it.

Police would hold rehearsals the day before polling, he added.

Retired officers called

As many as 17,191 retired army and police employees would assist police for two days.

Inspector Aamir Waheed said the retired police and army personnel would be recruited in all four districts of Faisalabad division.

He said, “Their stipends would be paid from the fund provided by the Election Commission of Pakistan,”

He said 12,000 retired employees would be recruited in Faisalabad, 2,791 in Toba Tek Singh, 2,000 in Jhang and 400 in Chiniot.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st, 2013.