KARACHI: A high-level committee, formed by the caretaker prime minister, was informed on Tuesday that as many as 122,000 policemen and 10,000 Rangers personnel would be deployed across the province for election security.

On Jan 18, the prime minister had formed the committee to oversee the security arrangements for the Feb 8 elections; to review and resolve matters regarding administrative arrangements and coordination for smooth conduct of the elections; to issue directions for urgent requirements of additional security where law and order situation requires; and to implement directions of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding smooth and orderly conduction of the elections.

The committee is headed by the caretaker communication minister as its convener with interior secretary and chief secretaries of all four provinces as its members.

On Tuesday, the convener of the committee, Communication Minister Shahid Ashraf Tarar flew down to Karachi to review the preparation and security arrangement for the upcoming general elections.

Body formed by caretaker PM reviews province’s preparation for Feb 8 general elections

Sindh Chief Secretary Dr Muhammad Fakhre Alam, caretaker Sindh Home Minister retired Brigadier Haris Nawaz, Additional Chief Secretary-Home Muhammad Iqbal Memon, Rangers chief Major General Azhar Waqas, Inspector General of Police, Sindh Riffat Mukhtar Raja, and representatives of the army attended the meeting.

The chief secretary briefed the committee on administrative measures, while provincial chiefs of police and Rangers provided insights into the security situation.

Speaking on security matters, DG-Rangers Major General Azhar Waqas said that 10,000 Rangers personnel would be deployed in the province for the elections.

In his briefing, the IGP stated that 122,000 policemen would be deployed for security purposes.

During the meeting, the chief secretary also provided detailed information on the preparations for the general elections, highlighting the damages caused to schools in the province due to recent floods.

He said that funds amounting to Rs1.5 billion were allocated for the repair of these schools, adding that additionally, Rs3bn was allocated for missing facilities in polling stations for the elections.

The chief secretary said that 4,000 highly sensitive polling stations would be equipped with CCTV cameras funded by the provincial government.

Addressing the gathering, the federal minister emphasised that the primary objective of the committee was to ensure the security and peaceful conduct of the 2024 general elections.

He also highlighted the importance of adhering to the directives of the ECP for transparent and organised elections.

Mr Tarar, who also holds the portfolio of railways and maritime affairs, informed the meeting about the establishment of an ‘election cell’ within the interior ministry to oversee the secure execution of elections, involving representatives from all law enforcement agencies.

Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2024