In a letter to the interior ministry secretary, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) highlighted a deficit of 277,558 security officials needed to ensure safe and secure polling nationwide.

The general elections 2024 are scheduled to take place on February 8.

The letter requested immediate arrangements for deploying Pakistan Army and other security forces at polling stations.

The commission specifically mentions the case of Islamabad, where a shortfall of 4,500 personnel threatens to disrupt the electoral process. With only 4,500 available against a requirement of 9,000, the capital city faces a significant security gap.

Punjab:

Current police personnel: 185,000
Needed for elections: 284,110
Shortage: 169,110

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:

Current police personnel: 92,360
Needed for elections: 149,777
Shortage: 56,717

Sindh:

Current police personnel: 150,000
Needed for elections: 123,000
Shortage: 33,462

Balochistan:

Current police personnel: 18,150
Needed for elections: 31,919
Shortage: 13,769

The ECP has set a deadline of December 4 for the interior ministry to inform them about the concrete steps taken to address the personnel shortage.

No cash crunch: Info min

Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi assured the public on Monday that there's no financial crisis hindering the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) preparations for the February 8 polls.

He affirmed on X that all budgeted funds will be released promptly based on the ECP's needs, contradicting media reports of a funding shortfall.

Solangi's statement stemmed from reports claiming the ECP summoned the finance secretary due to delayed election funds.

He clarified that the federal cabinet approved Rs42 billion for the ECP, with Rs10 billion already disbursed.

He confirmed the ECP requested a further Rs17.4 billion release.

Reiterating the government's commitment to free and fair elections, the minister referenced Article 218(3) of the constitution.