ISLAMABAD – The chief election commissioner of Pakistan has decided to print and distribute ballot papers under Pakistan army’s supervision.
The announcement was made in a Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) session which was aimed to review security challenges during the upcoming General Elections.
The army personnel will be hired on the printing press, printing corporation, and postal foundation printing press. For this purpose, army would be deployed at Security Printing Press from June 27 to July 25.
Later in the day, the director general of Election Commission of Pakistan’s media cell told the media that closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) would be installed at 20,000 sensitive polling stations across the country. Sources said the most sensitive polling stations would be three to four CCTV cameras installed there.
The ECP official said close coordination would also be maintained with National Counter Terrorism Authority to prevent untoward incidents.
Moreover, he added, it was decided foolproof security would be provided to political leaders, for which provinces will make necessary arrangements.
The provincial government would also be responsible for the security of district returning officers, returning officers and presiding officers.
Media reports suggest Rangers and police will be hired on polling stations, however, sensitive polling stations would have army personnel and 3-4 CCTV cameras as well.
Federal and provincial chief secretaries and IJPs and the officials of Interior and foreign ministries were also present at the moment.
