On the occasion of Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Day, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, in his message, has said that he, as the Chief of Punjab Police, wishes the entire Christian community throughout the province a happy Christmas from the core of the heart. IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has also congratulated the Christian officers and officials serving in various departments of Punjab Police on Christmas. IG Punjab Dr. Usman said that Christmas festival conveys the message of promoting peace and security, love, brotherhood and mutual unity. He said that there is no doubt that Christian citizens have presented eternal and valuable sacrifices in the construction and development of Pakistan. All the minorities, including the Christian community, are actively participating in the progress, development and prosperity of the country. It should be remembered that the only decisive vote of the Christian community in the formation of Pakistan made history. In Pakistan, all minorities, including the Christian community, have full protection and freedom. Dr. Usman Anwar said that the foolproof security arrangements have been ensured on the occasion of Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Day throughout the province. Dr. Usman Anwar added that the security of all minorities including the Christian community is the first responsibility of the state and the police. On the occasion of Christmas, more than 26,000 police officers and officials are on the security of important places including churches, Christian communities, Christmas markets, parks, parks and recreational places. Officers and officials will remain high alert on the duty. On the occasion of Christmas, 26,557 officers and officials will be deployed for the security of 3286 churches across the province on December 25. IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar said that 2335 CCTV cameras, 3427 metal detectors and hundreds of walk-through gates will be used for the security of Christian citizens. 3422 officers and personnel, 271 metal detectors and 236 CCTV cameras will be used for the security of 622 Christian places of worship in the provincial capital. Punjab Police has divided 3286 churches in the province into A, B and C categories. There are 154 churches in A category, 414 in B category, 2718 churches in C category, while 3501 Christian worship programs of A, B and C categories will be organized across the province, which will be provided with foolproof security.
Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit teams will ensure effective patrolling around churches, Christmas markets, Christian communities, parks. Checking at the entrances and exits of the city has been made more stringent. Snipers have also been deployed on the rooftops of sensitive churches. Special search and combing operations are ongoing in the vicinity of Christian communities and churches. IG Punjab said that there will be zero tolerance on liquor sale, aerial firing, one-wheeling on Christmas and New Year night. He assured the Christian community that Punjab Police is an equal participant in their Christmas joy. The Punjab Police will provide full security to the Christian community during Christmas worship, celebrations and all related events. Senior police officers including all RPOs, CPOs and DPOs will regularly review the security arrangements on the eve of Christmas and ensure the safety of the Christian community.
(Handout No. 946)
Syed Mubasher Hussain
Director Public Relations
Punjab Police
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Press Release Date:
Sunday, December 24, 2023