KARACHI: As many as 37,189 police personnel would be deployed at around 8,724 polling stations during the local bodies’ elections being held in 14 districts of four divisions on June 26.

“As many as 26,545 policemen would be deployed at the polling stations in the light of their sensitivity. Around 9,925 policemen would be on duty at 1,985 most sensitive polling stations, 10,344 at sensitive polling stations, and 6,276 at 3,291 normal polling stations,” IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon said during a meeting held to review the law and order situation and arrangements for local bodies election here at the CM House.

The meeting was presided over by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. PSCM Fayaz Jatoi, Home Secretary Saeed Mangnijo, Karachi Commissioner Iqbal Memon, Additional IG Karachi Javed Odho and concerned DIGs were present at the meeting. The commissioners of Mirpurkhas, Larkana, Sukkur and Mirpurkhas divisions attended the meeting through a video link.

He added that as many as 10,644 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) personnel would be deployed as directed by the CM, therefore the number of total deployments would come to 37,189.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the police department to demonstrate zero tolerance while maintaining law and order during local bodies’ elections.

“Meet with the political parties and groups contesting the election and take them into confidence in respect of code of conduct,” he told the divisional administration and the police.

The Sindh CM directed the home department to impose Section 144 against the display of arms during local bodies’ elections and also asked the police to deploy a QRF in case of any emergency.

Police officers said that there would be around 8,724 polling stations in all the 14 districts of which 1,985 have been declared as most sensitive, 3,448 sensitive and 3,291 normal. At this, the chief minister directed the commissioners concerned and the police to discuss with the candidates and their party leadership to keep their supporters under control.

“If the candidates show restraint and understanding of the situation the number of the most sensitive polling stations would come down,” he said.

The chief minister directed the chief secretary to keep the arrangements reviewed to avoid any issues.

CM Murad directed the IG police to mobilise CCTV-mounted vehicles in the polling areas.