LAHORE: Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman on Monday issued instructions to all the deputy commissioners to take action against the polling staff who are absent during training.

He issued these instructions during a meeting to review the arrangements for the conduct of general elections at the Civil Secretariat. Provincial Election Commissioner Aijaz Anwer Chohan, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, the secretaries of home, local government departments, officers of provincial election commission and officials concerned attended the meeting while all the divisional commissioners, RPOs, deputy commissioners and DPOs participated through video link.

The Chief Secretary directed that the attendance of staff during the training be ensured and strict action be taken against the absent officials. He mentioned that holding free, fair and transparent elections is an important national responsibility. He said the requisite funds have been provided, therefore, no shortcoming in the polls arrangements would be acceptable.

He said that transport and security plans are a very important part of election arrangements, adding that these two components should be given special attention. He said the deputy commissioners should review the preparations for the elections on a daily basis.

The provincial election commissioner said all district returning officers should supervise the process of preparation of polling bags and ensure the provision of all basic facilities at the polling stations. He said the control rooms should be made more functional for addressing the complaints.

He stressed that equal opportunities must be provided to all stakeholders in the election process without discrimination. He said that strict action should be taken against those who violate the election code of conduct.

The provincial election commissioner also issued instructions regarding the delivery of election materials and ballot papers.

Local Government Secretary Ahmed Javed Qazi briefed the meeting that under Section 144, aerial firing, and display of weapons would be banned from February 1 to 12. He said that the arrangements for installing CCTV cameras at the highly sensitive polling stations have been completed. Army, Rangers and police personnel would carry out flag march on February 5 and 7, he concluded.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024