Police devise three-layered security plan

IGP orders deployment of snipers at mosques and imam bargahs that fall under category A

LAHORE: The Punjab police have devised a three-layered plan to provide security to all sensitive mosques, imambargahs and eidghas throughout the province on Eidul Azha.

The plan was prepared during a meeting chaired by Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Syed Kaleem Imam at the Central Police Office in Lahore on Monday. The IGP ordered a three-layered security plan and asked for the deployment snipers on roofs of mosques and imambargahs that fall under category "A". Also, commandos in civvies will be deployed at the gatherings. He directed CCPO Lahore, RPOs, DPOs and CPOs to ensure their supervision for security measures in their respective regions and districts.



He ordered the checking and clearance of all mosques, eidgahs and imambargahs prior to Eid prayers, while female police officials would be deployed for security at all women’s gatherings. He said that nobody should be allowed to enter an eidgah without proper checking.

He ordered the strict implementation of government's orders for collection of animal hides. Special cops will be deployed for safety and security at Lahore Zoo, parks and other recreational spots, the IGP said.

Patrolling hours of the QRF, dolphin squad and patrolling force shall be increased on all the important roads and highways. Meanwhile, special would be devised to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on roads. Briefing the IGP, AIG Operations Imran Mehmood said 48,605 officers and officials would perform security duty at 23,503 mosques, imam bargahs and eidgahs. As many as 245 teams of the Quick Response Force would remain on alert to respond any emergency.

At the same time, 1,575 CCTV cameras, 11,007 metal detectors and 162 walkthrough gates would be used to provide security. The IGP directed all officers and officials to remain alert and ensure the safety and security of citizens. He ordered special parking arrangements in areas with large gatherings, while police officials and volunteers would be security duty at such locations. He warned that banned outfits cannot be allowed to collect animal hides. He ordered officials to carry out search, sweep and intelligence-based combing operations at all sensitive mosques and imambargahs.



Meanwhile, Lahore police also issued its security plan to maintain law and order in the city. According to the plan, over 10,000 police officials, under the supervision of 88 inspectors, 40 DSPs and 14 SPs, would be deployed for the security of least 4,500 mosques and 208 open spaces for prayers. DIG Operations Lahore Shahzad Akbar said all the mosques had been divided into A, B, and C categories, according to sensitivity.

Security in RY Khan

In Rahim Yar Khan district, a total of 2,842 police officers and policemen will be deployed at 503 gatherings. The entrance and exit points of the district would have pickets and security would be ensured through snap checking.

LTC issues plan

To facilitate commuters, the Lahore Transport Company (LTC) issued an operational plan, with necessary instructions, to private transport operators for Eidul Azha. During the three public holidays announced by the government, LTC will run a full fleet of buses on Tuesday on various urban routes. On Wednesday and Thursday, the respective transport operators would observe the same schedule of bus operations as per gazetted holidays.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 21^st, 2018.