KARACHI: The Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, on Tuesday asked the home department to take measures for the installation of a biometric verification system and a video surveillance of every polling station in the Azizabad constituency of NA-246 to ensure “free, fair and transparent” election on April 23.

In a letter to the home department, the paramilitary force suggested that the biometric verification system of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) be installed at all the 213 polling stations of the constituency. For monitoring of the polling process, the home department was asked to install more than 1,000 closed-circuit television cameras in the constituency.

Read: ECP to hold by-polls in NA-246 under Rangers' supervision

“There would be some 769 polling booths in 213 polling stations of NA-246,” said a source privy to the fresh correspondence. “The Pakistan Rangers has suggested biometric verification system at every booth and if it’s not possible then at least at every polling station. Similarly, some 1,037 CCTV cameras have also been recommended for 55 buildings where polling stations would be set up.”

The source was not aware of the Rangers mandate to call for such measures neither he shared details about response from the Sindh government to these recommendations.

However, he said the “suggestions” were expected to be followed for better security environment leading to fair and free voting in the by-election.

Security plan reviewed

Meanwhile, a meeting was held at the central police office with Sindh police chief Ghulam Hyder Jamali in the chair to review security arrangements for the NA-246 by-election.

Additional IG Ghulam Qadir Thebo, zonal DIGs and other senior officers attended the meeting.

IG Jamali directed the police officials to ensure finalisation of the security plan for the by-poll in coordination with the Rangers after due consultation with the Sindh election commissioner. “According to the preliminary security plan prepared by DIG west Feroz Shah, more than 5,500 policemen including five SSPs, nine DSPs and 18 inspectors will be deployed,” said a CPO statement issued after the meeting.

“Some 55 buildings have been identified for rooftop deployment. Armoured personnel carriers and bullet-proof vehicles will also be placed at all identified flashpoints.”

Riot police platoons equipped would remain on standby at the nearest places, it was added.

The Sindh IG also directed for the deployment of rapid response force and special security unit commandos for the security purposes, said the statement.

“The Karachi police chief has also been directed to summon a meeting before the deployment of police personnel to let them know about their responsibilities to cover every security aspect in the constituency on election day,” added the statement.

A rehearsal would be done before the deployment for the by-election scheduled for April 23.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2015

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