Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Provincial Minister for Information, Minority Affairs, Social Protection, and President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, addressed the media to provide updates on the current election situation. He clarified that all concerns regarding the elections have been resolved, assuring that the provincial governments are fully prepared for the scheduled February 8 elections. Key highlights from the briefing include the deployment of Pakistan Armed Forces at sensitive polling stations from February 5 to February 10, cancellation of holidays for polling station staff as per Election Commission directives, and the allocation of funds by the Sindh government to meet essential requirements.
The security apparatus will involve police, Rangers, and the Pakistan Army. The comprehensive plan encompasses a total of ninety-one thousand six hundred polling stations, with specific focus on five thousand nine hundred seventy-six normal, six thousand five hundred and thirty-one sensitive, and six hundred ninety-six highly sensitive stations. A robust force of one hundred twenty-five thousand police officers, a Rapid Action Force of seven thousand, and five hundred fifty officers from the Excise Police will be deployed.
Twenty-two thousand eight hundred seventy Lady Health Workers will also be part of the security detail. To address infrastructure concerns, a fund of 1.5 billion rupees has been released for three hundred eighty-six flood-affected schools. Security measures include the installation of over five thousand cameras to ensure data security, along with the setup of computers and wireless systems.
Muhammad Ahmed Shah stressed the vital role of the media in disseminating information to sensitive institutions and highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance law and order. He announced that for the first time, action will be taken against absentee employees during the elections, emphasizing coordination with major political parties and requesting cooperation for a smooth electoral process. Section 144 has been enforced, and mobile services are expected to remain active on Election Day. Contingency plans are in place to address unforeseen circumstances, demonstrating a concerted effort to ensure stability in Pakistan amid internal and external threats.
