Strict measures: Three-layer security cover for protesters

About 7,500 unarmed police officers to be deputed at rally

LAHORE: A three-layered security plan has been devised for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s rally in Raiwind under which 7,500 unarmed police officers supervised by 11 SPs, 23 DSPs and 50 SHOs will provide security to the protesters.

Workers and participants would have to pass through three security checks at three points, which will include a body search, a check with metal detectors and then passing through metal detectors.

Women police officers would be deployed to search female participants of the march in separate cabins. A special squad will be deputed to guard the stage where PTI leader Imran Khan among others would give his speech.

Several teams of the Police Response Unit and Dolphin Squad would patrol nearby areas of Adda plot and guard the groups travelling towards to the site. Police vehicles are directed to escort rallies from the start till the end in different parts of the city towards the venue. The route and site would be cleared by sniffer dogs, Bomb Disposal Squad and Special Branch. To monitor security arrangements, CCTV cameras will be installed at the procession site and a control room at Fizaiya Colony is to be established. Search and combing operations would be conducted in nearby areas.

Traffic plans

As part the traffic plan, roads leading towards the venue would be blocked with containers. At least 760 wardens, 112 patrolling officers, 46 inspectors, 6 DSPs and two SPs under the supervision of the chief traffic police officer would perform their duties for managing traffic.

Three parking sites have been set up for the participants. All vehicles would go through security checks before entering the parking area.

Roads leading to Adda Plot include Bhobtian Chowk, Khayaban-e-Amin round about, Mill Pully and Mohlanwal to Bhobtian Chowk would be closed for traffic so that participants would be able to walk to the venue.

The city traffic police have informed citizens that they can use Sundar Road, Ferozpur Road and Defence Road as alternate routes to reach Raiwind.

Code of conduct

A PTI delegation met Lahore CCPO Amin Wains at his office on Thursday to discuss security plans for the rally today.

Police said the plan was finalised with the party leadership. The party’s volunteers have been asked to coordinate with the Lahore police for security arrangements.

In response, they vowed to remain in close contact with the opposition party. DIG Operations Haider Ashraf said that police would take action according to the law if workers of any party tried to create any trouble.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th, 2016.