4,029 Police Deployed for AJK Migrant-Seat Polls in Rawalpindi

Authorities have finalised an extensive security operation involving 4,029 police personnel for the August 2 elections on Azad Jammu and Kashmir migrant seats across Rawalpindi division. The deployment will cover polling locations in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal and Murree amid heightened political tensions surrounding the phased electoral process.

Police officials said the regional plan covers 175 polling stations located in four constituencies. Each polling location has been assessed according to its security requirements, with additional personnel, surveillance and patrols assigned to areas considered more vulnerable to disruption or violence.

Polling stations have been divided into three categories based on the perceived level of risk. Category A locations have been designated highly sensitive, Category B stations are considered sensitive, while Category C polling sites will operate under standard security arrangements supported by routine monitoring and rapid-response teams.

Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer Babar Sarfraz Alpa said providing voters with a secure environment remained the force’s central priority. He directed officers to maintain close surveillance around sensitive locations, monitor suspicious individuals and vehicles, and take immediate legal action against anyone carrying illegal weapons or violating election regulations.

A separate security and traffic arrangement has also been prepared for Rawalpindi district, where 100 polling stations will operate. More than 3,100 district police officers and around 200 traffic personnel are expected to be deployed to manage queues, protect election material and keep roads leading to polling sites open throughout voting hours.

Of Rawalpindi district’s polling locations, 18 have been placed in the highest-risk category, 45 have been classified as sensitive and 37 have been declared normal. The security operation will extend across urban and suburban police jurisdictions, including areas such as New Town, Sadiqabad, Chaklala, Taxila, Wah Cantt, Rawat, Gujar Khan, Kahuta and Kallar Syedan.

City Police Officer Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera said police would enforce the election code of conduct and maintain coordination with the district administration and election authorities. Special arrangements have also been made for the protected transportation and delivery of ballot papers and other election material before polling begins.

The AJK elections are being conducted in three phases because of security and administrative concerns. Voting in Mirpur division was completed during the first phase, while the upcoming round includes constituencies in Muzaffarabad division and seats representing Kashmiri refugees settled in different parts of Pakistan.

The electoral process has unfolded amid allegations of irregularities, clashes between political workers and a wider controversy over the 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir. The PML-N and PPP have traded accusations over the conduct of earlier voting, increasing pressure on law-enforcement agencies to prevent further confrontation.

Authorities will maintain security measures until polling material and results are safely transferred from election sites. Senior officers have warned that displays of weapons, intimidation of voters, interference with polling staff and breaches of the election code will trigger immediate action as officials seek to ensure an orderly and transparent vote.