The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued strict guidelines for security personnel deployed during the by-elections across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan in 2024. Their primary directive is to maintain neutrality, uphold peace, and ensure impartiality throughout the electoral process, particularly during the counting phase. Security personnel are instructed to assist election officers and refrain from making arrests without explicit instructions from polling staff. Each officer must adhere to their assigned mandate within the confines of the law to facilitate fair and peaceful elections. Their duties include facilitating smooth polling station operations, ensuring orderliness, and assisting the Presiding Officer in managing disruptions. They are required to treat voters and polling staff with courtesy while maintaining firm adherence to the law. Security personnel must diligently screen voters to prevent the entry of prohibited items and maintain orderly queues, especially for vulnerable groups. Only one polling agent per candidate is allowed at each booth, with strict observation protocols during the counting process. Observers and media personnel are permitted entry, with limitations on filming to maintain ballot secrecy. Security personnel are reminded not to interfere with voters’ identity verification and to report any irregularities promptly. In the event of malpractice, they are authorized to intervene, ensuring a peaceful environment until the counting process concludes. However, they are cautioned against interfering with the counting process unless necessary for maintaining law and order.