BUREAU REPORT
LAHORE: More than 20,000 police personnel have been deployed across Punjab to maintain order during Sunday’s by-elections on 13 National Assembly and Punjab Assembly seats, with authorities declaring 408 polling stations “highly sensitive.”
According to Punjab Police, security forces have been positioned at 2,792 polling stations throughout the province, including 939 male, 889 female, and 964 combined polling stations.
Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, said the force is committed to providing a safe atmosphere so voters can cast their ballots without intimidation. He stressed that any violation of the Election Commission’s code of conduct, Section 144 restrictions, or the ban on carrying weapons will be dealt with under a strict zero-tolerance policy.
Out of the total polling stations, 408 have been identified as highly sensitive, while another 1,032 are categorized as sensitive. CCTV cameras have been installed at all highly sensitive locations, allowing real-time surveillance of the polling process.
Security monitoring is being carried out through the Central Police Office, the Punjab Safe Cities Authority, and district-level control rooms. Dr. Anwar said the police have finalized all logistical, communication, and transportation arrangements in coordination with relevant institutions to ensure smooth conduct of the by-elections.
He warned that any attempt by terrorists or disruptive elements to interfere with the electoral process would be dealt with “decisively and with full force.”
Special units—including the Punjab Constabulary, Highway Patrol (PHP), Elite Force, Special Protection Unit (SPU), and personnel from the Training Branch—have also been deployed for election duties. Female police staff are assigned to women-only polling stations and booths to assist voters.
Read more: https://nayakashmir.com/punjab-by-elections-voting-continues-on-13-key-national-provincial-seats/
