Security for Christmas finalised

Around 3,000 personnel will be deployed for security of 300 churches

RAWALPINDI:

Rawalpindi police have finalised a security plan for Christmas.

Sources said that it has been decided to take help from Elite Force commandos for the security of more than 300 churches and other places of worships.

Under the plan, as many as 3,000 police personnel including Elite Force commandos will be deployed to ensure foolproof security of Christian worship sites.

The security of the churches will be monitored through closed-circuit television cameras. A control room will also be set up where all security institutions will work jointly to keep an eye on the security arrangements.

Rawalpindi police sources said sharpshooters will be deployed on the rooftops of different buildings while walk-through gates will be established at entry points of all Churches on the eve of Christmas.

City Traffic Police will make arrangements for parking vehicles for the visitors of the churches and all parking lots will be set up some 100 feet away from the current parking spaces of the churches.

Sources said that the police and other law enforcement agencies have divided 300 churches and other worship places into A, B, and C categories according to the sensitivity of the area they are located in. The churches falling in A-category will have additional security personnel.

The sources said that the worshipers will be checked at three points. The roads adjoining the entry points of the churches will be sealed off with barbed wire while elite commandos and sniper shooters will be stationed atop buildings.

The police vans equipped with cameras will also remain stationed outside the churches on the eve of Christmas.

Senior police officers will hold meetings with the Christian community of Rawalpindi. To discuss security matters. Police guards will also be provided to ensure the safety of eminent priests.

Police sources said that foolproof security will be provided for midnight services on the eve of Christmas and on December 25.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 14^th, 2022.