­Arrangements for general election reviewed

PESHAWAR: Caretaker Minister for Local Government and Public Health Engineering Aamir Durrani on Monday said the provincial government would ensure preparedness for the upcoming general election.

He maintained that the government had established communication with various departments to facilitate the electoral process and ensure holding of the transparent election. A handout said that he was speaking at a meeting to discuss preparations for the election.

Municipalities Secretary Daud Khan, Municipalities Special Secretary Muhammad Masood, Municipalities Coordinator Sajid Gul, and other relevant officials attended the meeting. The meeting was briefed about the preparation for the general election, logistical challenges in polling stations for election staff, and security and weather-related measures.

Officials discussed plans to collaborate with the Departments of Education, Health, Higher Education, Municipalities, and Rescue 1122 in addition to outlining security arrangements for election day. Sensitivity surrounding polling stations in the province was also discussed.

The officials also discussed transportation, food provision, and other necessities for election staff working in remote areas along with the necessity of securing prior approval from deputy commissioners.

The meeting was informed that the chief election commissioner would soon conduct an inspection to assess the arrangements being made for the election. The officials shared statistics on the total number of polling stations (14,310), sensitive polling stations (5,896), snow-affected polling stations (1,274), and flood-affected polling stations (120). They noted that the province had 21.6 million voters, with a male-to-female ratio of 54 to 45 percent Additionally, consultations took place with the district administration about CCTV cameras and IT staff, as well as with universities about staff duties.

To conduct the election, the province will require 108,992 men and 62,907 women staff members, and a plan for transport and other facilities and security for women staffers in remote areas was presented. The Health Department is set to implement an emergency plan and provide lady health workers, while Rescue 1122 will also offer services.

The authorities reviewed the snowfall situation in Parachinar and other areas in KP. Aamir Durrani expressed satisfaction with the preparations and underscored the government’s readiness for holding the election. He urged all relevant departments to maintain close coordination for the planning and execution of election-related activities.