LAHORE: The Punjab police have approved a security plan for Eidul Azha, deploying over 40,000 police personnel to secure 26,500 mosques/imambargahs, 900 open places, and tourist spots across the province. Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar chaired a meeting at the Central Police Office (CPO) on Wednesday, where the plan was finalised. In Lahore, 8,000 officers and personnel will be deployed to secure over 5,000 Eid prayer gatherings. The security arrangements include 13,249 metal detectors, 217 walk-through gates, and 4,475 CCTV cameras. Over 3,000 officers and officials are already performing security duties at 227 cattle markets across the province. Dr Anwar said the force must adhere to the home department’s SOPs regarding the collection of sacrificial animal hides and intensifying surveillance of banned organizations and individuals listed under the Fourth Schedule.
He directed supervisory officers to ensure thorough checking and clearance of all mosques, Imambargahs, and Eidgahs before Eid prayers, deploy snipers on rooftops of category A mosques and Imambargahs, and deploy plainclothes commandos at Eid gatherings. The IGP also instructed officers to oversee traffic management plans to ensure smooth traffic flow, prevent street crimes and highway robberies, and utilize all resources for the convenience and safety of tourists at Murree and other tourist spots. Additional personnel will be deployed to manage the expected influx of visitors in Murree, with no negligence tolerated in this regard. The IG reiterated the importance of adhering to SOPs for the entry and exit of vehicles in Murree.
(Daily Dawn)
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