Strict security arrangements were in place in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad Saturday for general elections 2013. Despite terror threats, the overall environment was peaceful; however, an incident of firing in which two persons of a political party got injured when supporters of another party opened fire in NA-56, Rawalpindi.
The Islamabad police had deployed 6,500 security personnel at 548 polling stations and divided the city into 17 sectors. The police were performing security duties on polling day in Capital at 288 polling stations in NA-49 and 260 in NA-48. Out of 58 polling stations, 20 were most sensitive and 87 were sensitive. The police have deployed 20 cops at most sensitive polling station, 10 at sensitive and 5 at normal polling stations.
The law enforcement agencies have also conducted air surveillance of the city. Commandos of Islamabad police, Lady Police, mobile patrolling, mobile eagles, Anti Terrorists Squad (ATS), Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) and personnel of Quick Response Force were also deputed at different locations.
Earlier, the strength of police at the entry points of Islamabad was enhanced with strict checking of vehicles. Witnesses said that people coming to the city through public transport were being strictly checked and searched by police. Rawalpindi police divided the city into 209 sub-sectors and deployed 6,000 cops for the security of 2150 polling stations of the Rawalpindi district.
Over 7,000 police national volunteers and additional police force, Punjab constabulary, Muhafiz Squad, Elite Force, Special Branch officials and ladies police was deployed in the city. Some 16 companies of Pakistan Army were deployed to assist the police. Out of total 2150 polling stations, 223 were of A-category, 242 of B-category, and 1685 polling stations of C category were given security cover. Special arrangements have also been made for police patrolling in all the sectors and sub-sectors.
Rawalpindi police have monitored the security arrangements round the clock from the control room set up at City Police Officer's office and Police Line. The police did not allow parking of vehicles within 500 meter radius of polling station.