Police on alert to ensure law and order

Security arrangements for assembly, legislators enhanced

LAHORE:

Lahore police made extensive security arrangements for the crucial Punjab Assembly session held on Sunday amid fears of a law and order situation.

In the wake of the developing political scenario in Punjab as well the National Assembly, there was a fear of the emergence of a law and order situation in the city in general and around the provincial assembly in particular.

The city police faced a serious challenge to deal with the situation on a weekly holiday as well as the first day of Ramazan.

In addition, the police had performed security duties for a oneday international cricket match held at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday night.

They had also provided security to mosques and other worship places after the sighting of the Ramazan crescent on Saturday evening. Hours later, the officials had to gear up for coping with a possibility of a critical situation related to the assembly session scheduled for electing the new chief minister of Punjab.

The top brass of Lahore police, including Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Fayyaz Dev and Deputy Inspector General Operations Dr Abid Khan remained on high alert. DIG Abid Khan and other officers also visited the Punjab Assembly as well the hotels where the assembly members were staying.

According to officials, three superintendents of police (SPs), five deputy SPs, 10 station house officers (SHOs), 50 upper subordinates and over800 other officials were deployed for the occasion. The deputed personnel included policewomen as well as Anti-Riot Force (ARF) officials.

CCPO Fayyaz Dev said while speaking to reporters said that no unauthorised person or vehicle was allowed to enter the assembly premises.

Thorough checking was carried out of those going towards the provincial assembly. The Police Response Unit (PRU) and Dolphin Squad remained on patrolling duty in the areas surrounding the assembly.

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Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) cameras were also monitored for surveillance of the routes and locations deemed sensitive with respect to security requirements

The opposition announced that its members would remain present in the Punjab Assembly till late evening, prolonging the need for maintenance of strict security. The opposition members have been staying at hotels near the assembly till the situation remains uncertain.

Police officials said strict security measures had also been put in place around the hotels. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar held a farewell meeting with the staff members of CM Office and thanked them.

He acknowledged the services of the staff members and appreciated them for performing their duties vigilantly day and night. Buzdar said the employees had fulfilled their responsibilities with dedication.

The outgoing chief minister remarked while talking with the staff members that he was departing from the CM Office with pleasant and fond memories.

He stated that his doors had remained open for the staff in the past and would remain so in future as well.

The principal secretary and coordination secretary to the chief minister were also present on the occasion.