Over 4,000 cops to secure AJK elections in Rawalpindi

More than 4,000 police personnel will be deployed in Rawalpindi division to ensure security during the Azad Jammu

More than 4,000 police personnel will be deployed in Rawalpindi division to ensure security during the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections on August 2.

Police officials have prepared a detailed security plan for polling in four constituencies of the division, including Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal and Murree. A total of 4,029 police officers will be assigned duties at 175 polling stations.

The polling stations have been divided into three categories according to their security requirements. Category A includes highly sensitive stations, Category B covers sensitive locations, while Category C consists of normal polling stations.

Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer Babar Sarfraz Alpa said providing voters with a safe and peaceful environment is the top priority. He added that all available resources would be used to ensure free and transparent elections.

He said strict monitoring would be carried out at sensitive polling stations. Additional patrolling and surveillance measures would remain active throughout the polling process.

Police officials will also monitor suspicious activities, illegal weapons and any violations of the election code of conduct. Legal action will be taken against individuals involved in disrupting the electoral process.

In Rawalpindi district, more than 3,100 police personnel and 200 traffic police officials will be deployed at 100 polling stations. These stations are located in different areas, including Rawalpindi city, Taxila, Wah Cantt, Gujar Khan, Kallar Syedan and Kahuta.

Among the 100 polling stations, 18 have been declared highly sensitive, 45 sensitive and 37 normal. Security arrangements have also been made for the safe transportation of polling materials.

City Police Officer Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera said the police would ensure implementation of the Election Commission’s rules and maintain law and order until the completion of the election process.

The AJK elections are being conducted in phases due to security concerns. Authorities have increased security measures after previous election-related tensions and allegations of irregularities.