The Sindh home department has started preparing security plan under the directives of the interior ministry to ensure law and order situation during general elections on January 8, 2008 in Sindh. The deployment of over 40,000 police personnel have been planned, excluding personnel of Rangers, in the province during polls, officials sources in the department told Business Recorder here on Saturday.
More than 15,000 personnel of Rangers would be deployed to assist the police force to avert any disturbing situation or use of unfair means in the polling stations. Around 14,000 polling stations would be set up for the elections in the province and security would remain at high alert during the contest, they said, adding that the number of personnel could be increased or decreased in accordance with the situation.
Responding to a query about deployment of troops of Pakistan Army at polling stations to avert clashes in the province, they informed that discussions were underway in this regard with the federal government.
The security plan has not been yet finalised and many suggestions for fool-proof security are under consideration, they said, adding that troops of Pak Army would remain at standby to control any untoward situation. They said there would be a need of around 0.1 million security personnel during the elections to maintain the law and order situation in Sindh.
A meeting of the Sindh home department was also held under chairmanship of interim Sindh Minister Brigadier Akhtar Zamin (retd) to review the shortage of security personnel. The minister was informed that at least 0.1 million personnel would be required during polls, the sources said, adding the minister also agreed with the idea and assured his full co-operation in this regard.
The department would seek help of Coast Guards, Forest Police, Excise and Taxation Police and private security guards to meet the demand of security staff for peaceful happening of elections, the minister was briefed.
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