PESHAWAR: More than 96,000 law enforcement agencies personnel, including 22000 army soldiers, have been deployed across Khyber Pakhtunkhawa and Fata to ensure peaceful elections.

This deployment has been made keeping in view the law and order situation in the area.

Director General Inter Service Public Relations Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa briefed the media about the high level meeting on security for elections chaired by Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani in Peshawar.

He said that COAS special visit to Peshawar was aimed at reviewing security for the general elections and the army chief was apprised of the detailed security plan for the polls.

He said that 52000 police personnel and other law enforcement agencies personnel will also be on guard duties to provide security during the polling process.

He added that the transportation of ballot papers in KPK had started on May 5 and has been completed successfully.

Bajwa also said that apart from four districts and agencies, ballot papers have been transported by road under the army’s protection and would also be under protective cover until they reach polling stations.

“The meeting has been attended by all the planners and executors.

"The army chief has stressed upon the holding of peaceful elections and has also stressed upon the need to keep the security plan well coordinated,” General Bajwa remarked.

He added that it was also the law enforcement agencies priority to help and ensure voters transportation to polling stations under strict security vigilance to ensure the peaceful and fair elections.

“It has been made clear to all the stakeholders to ensure implementation and success of the security plan,” General Bajwa said.

He also adding that the deployment of troops at polling stations is according to the sensitivity of polling booths that has been designated by the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies.

He remarked that the army is here and everywhere to assist the security plan and we want a well coordinated security tear works and ensure safe elections

“Its our plan to put in place the security cordon ahead of polling," he said responding to a question about immediate security plans.

He added that the FR and the suburban Peshawar is being combed and miscreants are being hunted down

About militant threats to candidates, voters and election staff, he said coordination centers have been set up where all such information would be communicated and timely action would be taken against the elements involved.

He said that the quick response force had already identified their points and their response would be prompt, effective and in time.

“The number, deployment and distribution of the force has been made according to needs and requirements,” he added.