October 10, 2002	Thursday	Sha’aban 3, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 9: Troops will be deployed in the Capital to maintain law and order on election day, said the coordinator of election cell, Ch Asghar.

He said the troops of III-Brigade had been called on the request of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration.

“However, the troops will remain away from the polling stations and perform duties only on the roads,” he maintained.

The official said mobile teams of army, equipped with the sophisticated weapons had started night patrolling in the twin cities to maintain peace and provide security to the people.

“This time extraordinary security measures are being taken to maintain peace during the polls, especially in Islamabad” he added.

Meanwhile, the SSP Islamabad said holidays of all police personnel had been cancelled for election duty.

He said some 5,000 police personnel would be engaged to look after the security arrangements in Islamabad. “We have divided all 386 polling stations into three categories —- sensitive, very sensitive and normal.

The official said the polling stations where some sort of disturbance had ever reported during previous elections, have been declared ‘sensitive’. Similarly the polling stations where such incidents have become a regular feature, have been declared ‘very sensitive’, he said.

He said Janbaz Force and Mujahid Force of army would also be deployed in the city to maintain law and order. “These forces would have a close contact with intelligence agencies to have prior information about any expected terrorism activity,” the official said.

To a question, the official said all SHOs had completed their assignments regarding meeting with the candidates of relevant areas to inform them that they should abide by the ‘code of conduct’ issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for elections.

He said police commandos would also be deployed in the vicinity of polling stations, all mosques, Imambargahs, commercial centres and other public places to avoid any untoward incident.