Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani discussed in details with formation commanders the deployment of troops at various polling stations across the country during forthcoming general elections. The ISPR stated that plans to provide security during May 11 elections, as asked by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), was discussed and deliberated during the 70th Formation Commanders' Conference held on Thursday with General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani in the chair.
General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani discussed the security issues during Formation Commanders meeting in the light of security concerns raised by the Chief Election Commissioner former justice Fakhruddin G Ebrahim during a meeting on April 5. The ECP handed over the elections plan to the military authorities. It has been learnt that ECP has categorised polling stations and the troops will be deployed only at sensitive polling stations.
According to ECP officials, there are around 34,000 sensitive polling stations where troops will be deployed for maintaining law and order. At least half of the sensitive polling stations are located in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The deployment of troops along with police, rangers and the security network will provide security during the elections.
A total of 38,000 troops were deployed at 21,000 polling stations declared sensitive during 2008 elections. Now, with increased security concerns and more areas being declared as sensitive, it is estimated that around 50,000 troops would be on law and order duty on the polling day. The Formation Commanders' Conference concluded at General Headquarters, which was attended by Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers and all Formation Commanders. The forum was also given comprehensive briefings on external and internal security environment and professional matters.