Stringent security measures enacted during Eid week in Lahore

Police took responsibility for checking main roads for cases of one-wheeling and aerial firing

LAHORE: The previous week was another hectic one for Punjab Police and the cosmopolitan metropolis. The police undertook the responsibility to ensure security for two mega events; Eidul Azha and the Independence Day during harsh weather conditions.

Police officers and officials spent Eidul Azha away from their loved ones in the line of duty. Humidity during the days added to their woes.

The preparations for the events were held days before the Eid holidays. Marathon meetings were held by senior police officers. A video conference chaired by the Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Arif Nawaz was also held in Central Police Office (CPO).

Security guard stabbed to death

In the conference, the top brass discussed the provision of security during Eid gatherings in public places including parks and markets. The police also took the responsibility of checking main roads for cases of one-wheeling and aerial firing in the provincial capital. On the eve of Eidul Azha, flag marches were held across the province on the orders of the IGP.

In Lahore, over 10,000 police officials under the supervision of as many as six SPs, 32 DSPs, and 84 inspectors were deployed on the occasion. The police teams provided security to 4,533 mosques in the city which were categorised according to their sensitivity.

At least 278 mosques fell under category “A”, 832 mosques of category “B” and 3,423 mosques under category “C”. Eidul Azha prayers were performed in 193 open areas of the city as well.

Similar was the case with City Traffic Police Lahore (CTPL). CTPL also devised a coordinated traffic plan to not only ensure traffic flow but also counter one-wheeling and over-speeding. CTPL, besides increasing deployment, established special patrolling teams.

Eidul Azha was followed by Independence Day celebrations. The day was already marred with a lot of activity and hustle bustle. One-wheeling, aerial firing and rogue behavior is en vogue at the occasion for the last few years. Lahore Police officials remained on major roads to counter such events. They also provided security to a rally that culminated in favour of Kashmir Day on August 15.

IGP agrees to beef up security at Sector F-8 Kutchery

As part of deterrence measures, Lahore Police arrested 485 one-wheelers and registered 379 cases during the three days; August 11-14. At least 193 cases were registered in Saddar Division, 125 in Model Town, 112 in Cantonment, 38 in City and 17 in Civil Lines.

As many as 26 suspects of aerial firing were arrested and 20 cases were registered. Nine cases were registered in Cantonment, five in Civil lines, four in City, two in Iqbal Town, four in Saddar and two in Model Town.  An additional 31 suspects were arrested for kite-flying and 42 for liquor dealing. Police also registered 38 cases and recovered 1,896 litres liquor.

Another death in lockup

Another case of custodial death has been reported in Lower Mall police station. The victim identified as Shan alias Shani was in custody of the police station when he attempted suicide. He was arrested, earlier, in theft and robbery cases and was going to be presented before the court. He was also on trial for a case registered in Naulakha Police station. He hurt himself in a bid to take his life in Bakhshi Khana in District Katchery.

ITF says 'satisfied' with Islamabad security plan, dismisses India's concerns

Shan was jailed in the lockup of Lower Mall police station where he died. This is the second case within a month followed by a death in a lockup of Akbari Gate. The two custodial deaths happened despite the installation of CCTV cameras in the lockups.

Meanwhile, Crime Investigations Wing claimed to have arrested 18 members of various gangs involved in the robbery and other heinous crimes a day before Eidul Azha.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 19^th, 2019.