Top Punjab ECP official meets IGP, reviews security arrangements

LAHORE: Punjab Election Commissioner Saeed Gul on Sunday along with a delegation visited the Central Police Office, met with provincial police chief Dr Usman Anwar and reviewed the security arrangements for the upcoming February 8, 2024 polls.

The delegation accompanying the provincial election commissioner included Joint Provincial Election Commissioner Punjab Sain Bakhsh Channar and Director Elections Punjab Abdul Hameed. In addition, AIG Operations Punjab Dr Asad Ijaz Malhi and other officers were also present.

Punjab Election Commissioner Saeed Gul reviewed the security arrangements of the Punjab Police in the run-up to the February 8, 2024 general elections. AIG Operations Punjab Dr Asad Ijaz Malhi briefed the election official on the security arrangements.

Punjab IGP Dr Usman Anwar, while talking to the delegation, said that Punjab Police are fully prepared to maintain law and order during the upcoming elections. “In view of the current situation, the security will remain on high alert on the day of elections, he added.

The Punjab IGP further said that operational, logistics and strategic matters are being finalised for the general elections 2024, adding that more than 51,000 polling stations of the province had been divided into three categories on the basis of sensitivity.

He said that more than 150,000 officials of the Punjab Police will perform security duties during the general elections in the province. “Compliance with the instructions and code of conduct issued by the Election Commission will be ensured at all costs.”

The Punjab Police chief told the delegation that additional security will be provided to the Election Commission’s offices during the submission of nomination papers. “Similarly, on February 8, 2024, the police will provide best security to all the polling stations, RO offices, appointed officers, staff and voters.”

The Punjab IGP said that no one will be allowed to sabotage the peaceful atmosphere on the day of elections. The provincial election commissioner and other officers expressed satisfaction over the preparations of Punjab Police for the upcoming general elections.

Meanwhile, the IGP directed all RPOs, DPOs and concerned officers to coordinate with the Election Commission officers effectively so that the arrangements for the election could be further improved.