LAHORE: The Punjab police registered 136 cases against 946 workers of political parties in the last 10 days in the province for violating the code of conduct of the Election Commission of Pakistan.

According to a handout issued on Wednesday, the action was taken following the directions of Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Syed Kaleem Imam.

The police registered cases against 429 workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, 134 of the PML-N, 22 of the PPP and 361 offenders of other political parties and independent candidates.

Mr Kaleem directed the police officers that free and fair elections under peaceful environment in the province were the top priority of police.

For the security of women polling stations, female cops have been made part of election special force.

He ordered the safety of political representatives, polling processions, corner meetings and other political gatherings.

During the election campaign, wall chalking, and hate speeches will not be allowed.

The use of loudspeaker and effective implementation of tenant registration should also be ensured and prompt legal action should be taken against those who will violate this rule, the IGP said.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2018