LAHORE: The Punjab police have finalised security arrangements for the 49,956 polling stations in the province ahead of Feb 8 general elections .

While presiding over a video-link meeting held at the Central Police Office regarding the election-related security arrangements here on Friday, Inspector General Police Dr Usman Anwar has said the police were fully prepared for the peaceful conduct of elections, safe delivery of ballot papers, polling materials etc.

All the regional and district police officers participated in the meeting through the video link. They separately briefed the IG about security, logistics, and communication and transportation arrangements for the elections.

In his address, the IG said that according to the security audit out of the total polling stations, 5,577 have been declared as “highly sensitive”, 14,056 as “sensitive” and 30,323 fall in normal category.

More than 130,000 officers/officials of all units including Special Branch and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) will be deployed for election security duty. Dr Usman Anwar said that 23,000 new CCTV cameras have been installed at the sensitive polling stations of the province under the Safe Cities projects in 21 cities. The Safe Cities Headquarters staff will monitor all the activities at the polling stations.

The Punjab police coordinating with other security agencies, armed forces, district administration etc for ensuring peaceful elections, he said, adding that the Dolphin Squad, Elite, QRF Force, and the teams of the SHOs will be present in the field.

Meanwhile, Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana held a separate meeting and directed the police officers to get surety bonds from the individuals with years-long history of enmities in Lahore to ensure peaceful holding of the general elections 2024.

DIG (Operations) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi directed supervisory officers to maintain communication with district returning officers, presiding officers, district administration, and other stakeholders.

He instructed police officers and officials to remain vigilant until the completion of vote counting, ensuring safe transfer of polling material.

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2024