Security of markets, mosques intensified

IG stresses protection of citizens withdrawing cash

LAHORE:

Police have been put on high alert for ensuring security of sensitive places across Punjab during the last week of Ramazan.

Inspector General of Police (IG) Dr Usman Anwar has issued orders to deploy additional personnel for the security of religious and public places, including markets, and other sensitive points.

He said the arrangements should be made under a comprehensive strategy for the security of Taraweeh prayers and Mohafil Shabinah in mosques.

In his instructions, he asked for ensuring better patrolling and effective use of modern technology so that no family going for Eid shopping would face any threat.

He said the families going out for shopping should not be disturbed by the activities of anti-social elements. The police teams should take care of the security and convenience of the families in the markets, he added.

He said the sense of security should be promoted in the society by arresting robbers, bandits, miscreants, hooligans, vagrants and miscreants.

The IG stressed that the security of citizens withdrawing money from banks, automated teller machines (ATM) and other financial service providers should be given special attention.

He said the police could double the joy of the religious festival by providing the citizens a peaceful environment for Eid shopping.

Meanwhile, Nawab Town police arrested five men suspected of being involved in looting citizens withdrawing money from banks.

The arrested suspects were identified as Sheraz, Amir Hamza, Bilal, Shehroz and Ali Bilal.

The police recovered Rs400,000 in cash, mobile phones and illegal weapons from their possession.

Police investigation officials claimed that the suspects had been found involved in a number of cases of robbing citizens withdrawing money from banks.

Their latest crime was robbing a citizen, Khalil, the officials said, adding that investigations into the cases were under way.

As part of the heightened security, over 5,000 police personnel were deployed across the provincial capital on Shab-e-Qadr.

Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana said the forced would ensure security of mosques and markets.

Snippers have been deployed at vantage points of sensitive places.

The Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit (PRU) and police vehicles continued areas surrounding the worship place and markets.

Police officials said checking of vehicles at entry and exit points of the city had also been intensified and all SPs had been instructed to visit the places deemed sensitive to review the security arrangements.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, a police official said the security challenges increased during the shopping season and the department had to deal with a rise in the number of robberies.

Amid rush at the markets, the police have to maintain law and order, as well as a conducive environment, especially for women, he said, adding that withdrawal of money from banks also increases ahead of the Eid holidays.

The police had to make additional security arrangements on the roads, in markets and near bank branches and ATMs to protect the citizens, the official added.

He also cited the prevailing security and political situation as a cause for increased responsibilities of the force.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18^th, 2023.