Askari reviews polls' arrangements: government to provide foolproof security to political leaders

The interim Punjab government has decided to provide foolproof security to main leaders of political parties apart from extending 'box security' for the movement of these leaders while necessary security cover will also be provided to contesting candidates.
The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by the interim Chief Minister Dr Hasan Askari, which reviewed the arrangements for July 25 elections, security matters and law and order situation. Addressing the meeting, Dr Hasan Askari said security plan has been chalked out for election campaign of political parties.
Under the plan, security will be provided for rallies and public gatherings. He said the participants of public gatherings should be scanned through walkthrough gates. Holding of general elections is national responsibility and our focus is free and fair elections, and all political parties will be provided equal opportunities, he added.
He said special arrangements will be made to maintain law and order at sensitive polling stations that will also be monitored through CCTV cameras. Askari directed that poling material should be transported under strict security cover and polling staff should also be provided foolproof security. He added that there should not be any delay in the transportation of results and ballot boxes to returning officers.
He further said the system of intelligence sharing should be made more effective while the political parties should avoid confrontation and clash, and keep the general environment peaceful. The meeting was briefed about arrangements for general elections and security arrangements.
Interim ministers Zia Haider Rizvi, Shaukat Javed, Ahmed Waqas Riaz, Chief Secretary, IGP, additional Chief Secretary, additional Chief Secretary Home, senior officers of civilian and military institutions attended the meeting.