ISLAMABAD:
With general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) scheduled for Sunday, large-scale security measures are being implemented, including the deployment of thousands of police from Punjab and the federal capital.
According to officials, in addition to the 6,000 personnel of the Punjab Police, 150 policemen from the security division of the Islamabad Capital Territory Police have been assigned election duties in Britain. In total, around 2,000 people are expected to be sent to the region to ensure security during the elections.
The 150 ICT police officers selected for duty had been performing sensitive duties in the federal capital, including guarding high-profile facilities and escorting foreign delegations. These personnel will leave for GB on Thursday under tight security and are scheduled to return to Islamabad on June 9.
The breakdown of ICT personnel deployed shows that 30 officials have been selected from the Special Protection Unit, five from President’s House, 20 from Prime Minister’s House, six from the Prime Minister’s Office, 10 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ security function and another 10 from the high security zone.
The security division of Islamabad Police is responsible for protecting key facilities including the President House, Prime Minister House, Parliament, police lines, Special Services Group (SSG) lines and the District Judicial Complex, while providing security to foreign delegations and Chinese nationals.
Meanwhile, convoys carrying Punjab Police personnel have already started from Rawalpindi and Lahore. These convoys are escorted by armed police and accompanied by Rescue 1122 ambulances to ensure safe transportation to the mountainous region.
However, the deployment has generated criticism from the opposition. PPP Information Secretary Nadeem Afzal Chan expressed concern over the presence of Punjab police in Britain and the alleged involvement of federal and Punjab ministers in the PML-N’s election campaign.
He commented that the Punjab police must remember that they are operating in Gilgit-Baltistan, warning that a “Punjab-style attitude” would not be acceptable in the sensitive region. He stressed that local populations must be treated with respect and responsibility given the sensitive nature of the region.
Chan also questioned the role of the Election Commission of Pakistan and asked on what basis federal and provincial ministers were allowed to participate in election campaigns and public rallies.
