Auqaf officials told to step up security

Provincial minister orders CCTV cameras, walkthrough gates and metal detectors at mosques, shrines

LAHORE: In the wake of recent terrorist attacks, Auqaf zonal administrators have been instructed to ensure the 24-hour security of mosques, shrines, madrassahs and other key buildings that fall under the department’s administration.

Communal meals brought into the shrines will be specially checked. The decision to increase security of mosques and shrines, which are under the department’s administration across Punjab, has been taken by Punjab Minister for Auqaf Pir Syed Saeedul Hassan Shah. He will pay a surprise visit to different shrines.

The provincial minister ordered the installation of CCTV cameras, walkthrough gates and metal detectors at shrines, mosques, and madrassahs.

He directed officials and officers of the Auqaf Department to ensure their attendance through the biometric system. In this regard, the programme of surprise visits in the province has been finalised.

If any negligence is witnessed at a place of worship, strict action will be taken against officials.

He maintained that the number of visitors at Data Darbar increases in the month of Ramazan and the number of people who observed Itikaf in mosques goes up to 2,000 in the last 10 days.

It has been decided that will clear communal meals after a thorough inspection and quarantine.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16^th, 2019.