8,000 cops deployed for Eid security

Police have chalked out a comprehensive security plan ahead of Eidul Azha, keeping in view in the present condition of unrest across the country.

Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore DIG Bilal Siddique Kamyana informed that as many as 8,000 police officers would be deployed during the holiday, providing security to around 5,000 mosques, imam bargahs and other religious places, along with more than 190 open areas for Eid congregations.

Accordingly, seven SPs, 35 DSPs, 83 SHOs and over 376 subordinates would be on duty on this Eid, with 335 Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit teams would patrol the city. Additionally, as many as 1,500 police officers will be deployed for Eid congregations at open prayer areas.

Around 5,000 mosques of the city were divided into three categories according to their sensitivity. CCPO Lahore added that 613 officers were deployed at 55 special pickets to curb one-wheeling, aerial firing, hooliganism and other illegal activities.

CCPO Kamyana stated that special teams were formed to take strict action against any hooliganism on Eid and that Anti-Riot Force (ARF), Dolphin Squad and PRU personnel would be highly alert at their posts and ensure effective patrolling around mosques, cattle markets, shopping centres, parks and other potential soft targets.

The citizens would be provided three-tier security at mosques, parks and other public places.

The CCPO further said that search and sweep operations, snap checking, biometric verification and other preventive measures were adopted to constrain anti-peace elements from creating any untoward situation.

Metal detectors and walk through gates along with CCTV cameras would be used for checking and monitoring purposes.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2022.