Safe Ramazan: Punjab police launch thorough security plan

LAHORE: Punjab Police will provide foolproof security at 33,839 mosques, 2,296 imambargahs, all bazaars and dastarkhwans established throughout the province in the holy month of Ramazan.

This was stated by acting Inspector General of Punjab Police Usman Khatak who chaired a meeting to devise a security plan.

Speaking on the occasion, the IGP said that 83,824 police officials, including 2,965 officers, 21,746 jawans, 45,944 volunteers and 13,169 private security guards will be deployed. A total of 1,713 walkthrough gates and 20,249 metal detectors will also be used to ensure foolproof security.

The IGP ordered that the smooth flow of traffic be ensured, particularly during iftar timings. He directed RPOs and DPOs to personally devise the security plan in their respective districts. He asked field officers to ensure the checking of hotels, inns and guesthouses. Reports of these lodging facilities should be sent to the IGP’s office by Monday.



He further directed field officers to ensure vehicle checking at entry and exit points of all districts and ensure combing operations in sensitive areas. He instructed the Traffic DIG to chalk out special plans for Ramazan in all districts and monitor/implement it in person.

All necessary steps should be taken to ensure foolproof security. Police officials should be deployed on rooftops of sensitive mosques and imambargahs. The acting police chief stated security for B and C category mosques should involve volunteers selected in consultation with committees and administrators of these places of worship. He advised that nobody should be allowed in without being frisked.

Usman also suggested a single passage be used to enter or exit and no more than one passageway should be kept opened during prayer times.

While focusing on the security of banks, the IGP said that police should ensure strict implementation of SOPs issued to banks. He ordered action against those administrations which failed to implement the same.  He wanted the public to go about their banking tasks with ease and without fear.



IGP directed RPOs and DPOs to regularly visit interprovincial and riverine check-posts in their districts. He ordered maximum facilities for officials deployed at these check posts and said they should be dedicated to these places.

Meanwhile, City Traffic Police Lahore also shared their plan for Ramazan. Lahore Chief Traffic Officer SSP Rai Ijaz Ahmad said 1,300 Traffic Wardens would perform duties during the holy month.



Traffic Wardens will perform their duties at mosques, Ramadan bazaars and markets situated at A, B and C categories roads during Sehri and Iftar timings. He said 31 Ramadan bazaars will be installed in the city where 150 wardens will ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

Furthermore, 100 patrolling officers will also roam the premises of Ramadan bazaars.

While addressing a high level at Qurban Lines, he said strict action should be taken regarding non-motorised vehicles, beggars, encroachments and traffic law violators during Iftari timings. For the convenience of citizens, seven special response units have been set up to tackle traffic congestion during Iftar timings.

CTO said a special welfare Plan had issued for traffic wardens during Ramazan and special teams will be responsible to provide iftari to them. He said a traffic plan regarding for shopping areas had also been set up.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2017.