KARACHI: Following the attack in Peshawar on Tuesday night, the demand for private security guards has surged before the polls as candidates are concerned for their security.
According to a local media report, the Sindh Police is seeking help from private security companies to make up for the shortage of manpower, especially during the elections day. Moreover, contestants have started hiring security officials as they are worried about their security.
However, they cannot apparently approach police because of a Supreme Court verdict after which official security for unauthorised persons was withdrawn.
In April this year, more than 12,600 police personnel deputed for the security of VVIPs were called back to comply with an SC order. It also affected many politicians across the country. Later, an assessment committee was formed by the police high-ups to provide security guards to the politicians who had been threatened with terrorist attacks.
Currently, around 250 squads of private security guards, each comprising two to five guards, have been provided to private applicants. However, it is expected that the number of squads will double to 500 as the security companies are likely to approve some of the applications.
According to police officials, it is also mandatory for candidates to submit details of their private security guards to the relevant police stations, according to the directives of the Election Commission of Pakistan.
According to the report, the Sindh police have asked for around 10,000 security guards and have been asked to perform their duties for 24 hours on elections. However, the companies cannot afford to provide security personnel in such a high number.
