Election Day in Hazara: Divisional administration apprehensive about security arrangements

Kohistan, Torghar and Battagram districts contain areas termed most sensitive.


Our Correspondent May 05, 2013
"All arrangements had been finalised to facilitate the 2.35 million voters registered in Hazara," says Khalid Umerzai. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE

ABBOTABAD:


The divisional administration in Hazara on Sunday expressed apprehension regarding the security situation and election arrangements in remote tribal districts while stresseing on the need for preventive measures.


Justice (Retd) Shehzad Akbar Khan, a member of the election commission from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), K-P Election Commissioner Sono Khan Baloch, regional police officer Dr Naeem, Brig. Tariq of the 10th corps, district returning officers, district police chiefs, and DC’s of all six Hazara districts participated in a meeting, which reviewed preparation arrangements for Election Day in Hazara.

Briefing participants Hazara Commissioner Khalid Umerzai said all arrangements had been finalised to facilitate the 2.35 million voters registered in Hazara. He said a total of 1944 polling stations had been established out of which 328 were declared sensitive. Umerzai further said although the law and order situation in Hazara was conducive to free, fair and transparent elections, the administration was facing problems in Kohistan, Torghar and Battagram. He claimed some far off areas in these districts were termed most sensitive, as they were 300 kilometres from their respective district headquarters. Polling staff and law enforcement agencies will have to travel on foot in response to any situation and will reach after three days, he added.



Umerzai explained administration in these areas need additional police force, and Pakistan Army troops. A helicopter would be required to transport polling staff to and from the district headquarters. Polling staff will have to be sent to these locations three days in advance, he added.

Justice (Retd) Shehzad Akbar Khan allowed the administration to use a helicopter service where needed. He added to ensure free and transparent polls the election commission and administration would liaise with law enforcement agencies. Khan also stressed the need to increase police patrolling and provide extra security to key installations such as grid stations, jails, Shahrah-e-Karakoram and Chinese nationals engaged in different developmental projects in Hazara.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 6th, 2013.

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