With the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024, the Pakistan Army and Rangers are set to take charge of election security across the country starting Monday, February 5.
Personnel from both forces have been assigned the crucial task of providing security on election day, strategically positioning themselves in all districts.
According to the Punjab Home Department, coordination is actively underway between the Army and Rangers and the deputy commissioners (DCs) of respective districts to ensure a seamless security arrangement.
In tandem with this development, a comprehensive security plan has been finalized for Islamabad on the day of the elections. Among the 990 polling stations to be set up in the federal capital, the administration has classified 31 as the most sensitive, 123 as sensitive, and 836 as normal.
To safeguard the most sensitive polling stations, Pakistan Army jawans will be deployed, bringing their expertise to ensure a secure environment. Meanwhile, personnel from the police and Rangers will be stationed at polling stations deemed sensitive.
The meticulous security preparations align with the directives issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), ensuring that the provinces are fully equipped to manage the security aspects of the electoral process. Sindh Caretaker Minister of Information, Minority Affairs, and Social Security, Muhammad Ahmad Shah, shared during a press conference on Friday that all provincial governments are prepared to implement the ECP’s instructions for a secure environment during the general elections.
As part of the security deployment, an impressive number of 1,22,030 police personnel will be on duty to maintain law and order during the electoral proceedings. This extensive security framework emphasizes the commitment to conducting free, fair, and secure elections, fostering public confidence in the democratic process.
