QUETTA: The quick response force in Balochistan has been provided with helicopters that would only be used in case of an untoward incident.

This was stated by Director General ISPR Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa on Monday said that the quick response force would be on standby during the elections.

Briefing the media in Quetta about security measures for the upcoming polls, he said that 7,000 army troops and an additional 55,000 FC, Levies and police personnel were being deployed in Balochistan to ensure peaceful elections in the province.

He said that ballot papers were provided in all districts of Balochistan and that the army had been deployed to guard them. Bajwa said the army provided ballot papers to 53 constituencies through helicopters in Balochistan.

The DG ISPR stated that Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani has presided over a high level security meeting to review security arrangements for the elections.

He said Commander Southern Command Lieutenant General Alam Khattak, Inspector General Frontier Corps, Major General Obaidullah Khan and officials of secret services attended the meeting.

"The army chief is here in Quetta to review the security plan for the polls," the DG ISPR said.

He said army and civilian forces will conduct joint patrolling to ensure order during the elections. He said electoral candidates were being provided levies and policemen for their security.