ISLAMABAD: The capital police have sought assistance of 5,000 personnel from AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan police and Frontier Constabulary to meet the shortage of manpower for security duty during the upcoming elections.

Police officers told Dawn that the capital police had requested for 5,000 personnel from AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan police and Frontier Constabulary due to the shortage of manpower. However, the response from the authority concerned of the three forces was still awaited.

The capital police have over 10,000 officials and officers out of which 6,000 officials and officers will be deployed in the polling stations and other election duties.

The remaining personnel will perform duties as usual, including security of Red Zone, installations, patrolling, pickets and at police stations.

About 990 polling stations will be established in three National Assembly constituencies in capital, say officials

Assistance of retired police officials and officers and volunteers will also be taken to meet the requirement of the manpower for security, additional backup and disciplinary duties. The capital administration was also requested for 500 women volunteers to be deployed at women polling stations.

The officials said all measures needed for the security were delayed due to non-release of funds.

About 990 polling stations will be established in the three National Assembly constituencies in Islamabad. Out of the total, 200 were declared most sensitive, 300 sensitive and the remaining normal.

The security measures in the polling stations declared most sensitive and sensitive were discussed at a meeting held on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by district returning officer Irfan Nawaz Memon and attended by returning officers, police and security agencies.

About 15 to 12 police personnel each will be deployed at the most sensitive polling station, 10 to 12 at sensitive polling station and eight to 10 at normal polling station. Police will also be assisted by paramilitary troops.

Besides, Quick Response Force of the army will also be deployed at the polling stations.

The police personnel will be deployed at the first tier, Rangers and FC at the second and QRF of army at third tier.

The deployment at polling stations will be made in the morning of February 7 till the return of the polling staff, polling equipment and material from the polling stations.

The capital police have also demanded Rs300 million to bear the expenses of the election duties, including meal for staff, vehicles and fuel for pick and droop of officials and officers.

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2024