Punjab IGP reveals threats to 19 politicians

LAHORE: Punjab’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Usman Anwar, disclosed on Wednesday that 19 politicians in the province are facing security threats.

Speaking to the media after a crucial meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in Islamabad, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, the IGP emphasized the sensitivity of the matter and refrained from disclosing specific names to avoid compromising security.

Highlighting the security landscape for the upcoming elections, Dr. Anwar underscored that Punjab is grappling with a shortage of 92,000 security personnel.

Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence in the conducive environment within Punjab for holding elections.

In an effort to bolster security measures, the IGP revealed that 120,000 personnel have been deployed for the upcoming elections in Punjab, a significant increase compared to the 60,000 deployed in the previous elections.

However, Dr. Anwar cautioned that the sheer number of polling stations, exceeding 50,000, could result in a shortage of 92,000 personnel at these critical locations.

The ECP meeting, attended by officials from the Interior Ministry and all four provinces, signifies a collaborative effort to address security concerns and ensure a smooth electoral process.

As preparations intensify, the focus remains on striking a balance between robust security measures and facilitating a democratic and transparent election in Punjab.

Read more: Three-Layer security plan for peaceful elections in Islamabad