The federal capital on Friday painted a quiet picture in sharp contrast to the campaigning festivities of the last two weeks as there was an exodus of people who work in the city to their native towns for voting. Those who remained preferred not to venture outside their homes.
6500 cops to perform security duty
To ensure sufficient security on May 11, Islamabad police have divided the city into 17 sectors an 6500 personnel will be deployed there to maintain law and order and provide a safe environment to the voters.
A security plan formally approved by Islamabad Police Inspector General (IGP) Bani Amin Khan has been finalized.
Islamabad Senior Superintendent Police Yaseen Farooq has briefed 6500 policemen including 400 cops from the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) and 500 Azad Kashmir personnel for performing security duties.
40 Quick Response Force (QRF) Rangers’ teams will also be deployed for NA-48 and NA-49.
For 288 sensitive polling stations in NA-49 and 260 in NA-48, special teams have been constituted
As per the security plan, each sector will be supervised by an assistant superintendent police (ASP) or a deputy superintendent police (DSP). Sectors are further divided into sub-sectors, each of which will be headed by an inspector and 20 policemen will assist him in patrolling. Six superintendents (SPs) will remain on special security duty in their respective areas.
A special police control room would be established at the Islamabad Model College for Boys in sector F-8/4 to ensure the security personnel’s coordination.
Around 400 ITP cops would be delegated special duties. Dr. Moeen Masood will personally monitor their duties. 16 vehicles and five lifters would be provided to the force.
IGP Khan said, “It is our responsibility to provide voters a peaceful and safe atmosphere on May 11,” adding that the policemen would have to be impartial in fulfilling their duties. He also stressed the need for an effective information and coordination system among the various police wings on the day.