ISLAMABAD, Oct 5: Security arrangements for the first session of the National Assembly, which is likely to be convened in the third week of this month after October 10 elections, was reviewed at a meeting in the parliament building on Saturday, an official source told Dawn.

The source said the meeting, presided over by the joint secretary of the National Assembly, was attended by senior officials of police, special branch and others who reviewed the security arrangements and discussed other issues related to the facilities being provided in the lower house of the parliament.

He said, the president would convene the National Assembly session, possibly in the third week of October.

In the first session the members will take oath under the Constitution.

The source said the police personnel who were to be deployed for the security of the National Assembly, had been doubled and were being given special training.

The parking lot for the vehicles of the MNAs have been separated from the public parking; special parking stickers will be issued for the vehicles, the source said.

The strict checking of vehicles with detectors will be carried out at the National Assembly outer gate and a scanning machine will also be installed at the entry door (for the members), the source said.

Meanwhile, the district administration has chalked out a contingency plan to maintain law and order on the eve and after the October 10 elections.

A total number of 26 candidates are contesting in general elections 2002 within ICT area.

The source said that keeping in view the possibility of unrest and terrorist activity by any terrorist organisation and any foreign agency, the district police have been directed to be vigilant.

Leaves of all police personnel (from lower to top ranks) have also been cancelled till further order, the source said, adding the police officers, if found absent from duty, will be dismissed from service.