35,000 policemen deployed on election day duties in Lahore

LAHORE: Around 35,000 policemen, 50 DSPs and 200 inspectors under the supervision of 25 SPs would perform duties to maintain law and order and ensure peaceful environment during General Elections 2018 in provincial capital, said a top cop of the city.

DIG Operations Shehzad Akbar said that various teams of Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit (PRU) would start day long patrol on July 25 from 7:00 am, while the personnel of Anti-Riot Force would also remain high alert to cope with any situation.

The DIG Operations directed the officials to take stern action against criminals and said that the police would utilize all resources to ensure peaceful election.

He said that none would be allowed to violate the code of conduct issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan, adding that those who would violate it would be dealt with an iron hand.

The policemen along with personnel of Pak Army and Rangers would perform security duties at all polling stations in city, whereas the polling stations would also be monitored through CCTV cameras and aerial surveillance.

All the policemen from CCPO rank to a police constable would remain in the field to protect the people and ensure peaceful environment during polling.

Meanwhile,the City Traffic Police (CTP) has also finalized a comprehensive traffic plan to regulate traffic flow on important thoroughfares for polling day.

As per plan, 12 DSPs, 168 inspectors, 3000 traffic wardens,234 patrolling officers, under the supervision of SP Saddar and City division would perform duties to maintain smooth flow of traffic,whereas 130 lady wardens, 10 emergency squads, 50 fork lifters and five breakdowns would also be deputed to take action against wrong parking and other violations of traffic rules and laws Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Liaqat Ali Malik said that challans on CNIC on Election Day have been prohibited, adding that no one would be allowed to block any road after the polling or electoral results.

Moreover, CTO said that various roads Kutcheri Chowk to Chuburgi, PMG Chowk to Civil Secretariat Chowk,M.A.O College Chowk, Istanbul Chowk to PMG Chowk, Civil Defence
Chowk, and Neeli Bar Chowk have been closed for general traffic due to shifting of polling material to polling stations,whereas arrangements to divert the traffic to alternative routes were in place.