A day like never before: CCPO, Commissioner explain Election Day security protocols

Urge candidates to remain at home, public to avoid gatherings.

PESHAWAR: Police have suggested candidates should confine themselves to their houses to avoid any untoward incidents on Election Day, and the administration backs this proposal, said CCPO Liaqat Ali on Thursday.

This was disclosed while talking to the press at Malik Saad Shaheed Police Lines about Election Day security procedures for the provincial capital. Commissioner Peshawar Sahibzada Anees and Deputy Commissioner Javed Marwat were also present at the occasion.

“We suggested to the administration that candidates should not visit polling stations because they are the real target and in the event of an attack against them, the general public will also suffer,” explained Liaqat. “However, this is only a suggestion.”

The Pakistan Army has been dispatched to the outskirts of the city – they would not be deployed directly inside the city, but would be available at a 10-minute notice.

“Frontier Constabulary (FC) and a large number of police officials have been deployed and we also have a strong reserve force ready to be used in case of any emergency,” pressed the CCPO. “A strong contingent of reserves has been assigned at police stations. And as a backup, the army is ready to support us. Let me tell you we are ready to face any challenge head on.”

Liaqat reminded the media that polling stations have been divided in to three categories:  most sensitive, sensitive and normal, and security deployment would be carried out as per these categorizations.

“Our duty is to conduct a free and fair election and those policemen who are proven guilty of political involvement would be dealt with an iron hand.”

Building protocols

All entry and exit points in the city have been sealed by the police and no vehicle or person is allowed to enter the city unchecked in the run up to the polls and on Election Day itself.

In addition, Afghan refugees have been asked to stay within their camp boundaries on polling day.

To make the process more secure for the general public, display of weapons is also banned and, CCPO Liaqat emphasised, there would be zero tolerance in this regard. “People should avoid large-scale gatherings or congested areas around the polling stations or in candidates’ election offices because such crowds could attract terrorists.”

Mobile phones are prohibited inside polling booths, he said, adding people should be aware of the ban to avoid unnecessary complications.

“Please do your best to curb rumours,” requested Commissioner Sahibzada Anees.  He also supported the idea candidates should not venture out on Election Day as it creates heightened security issues for the police and the public.

Liaqat too urged the media to verify ‘news’ before airing it in order to stop the spread of rumours. “If the media require updates or any confirmations, they should contact control rooms established at district, divisional and provincial levels.”

Inside out

According to Commissioner Sahibzada Anees there were two types of threats in Peshawar – one was internal and the other an external threat from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata). The security plan was designed keeping these concerns at the forefront.

“We are coordinating with the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps, both of which are already present in Fata. They are currently operating in Tirah [valley] as well.”

According to Anees, there are at least 86,000 internally displaced families from Khyber Agency living in the settled districts. Polling stations have been established in Jalozai Camp and Shahkas inside Khyber Agency. “There are around 94,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) registered to vote.”

Anees said the media should portray a positive image on polling day to encourage people to come out of their homes and cast their votes. There are 981 polling stations in Peshawar alone, according to the commissioner.  Delivery of polling materials will start Friday (today).

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2013.