Punjab to host over 24k Eid congregations

Volunteers to be deployed along with police for security

LAHORE:

Security arrangements have been made for Eid prayers at 23,642 mosques and 823 open places across Punjab.

According to Punjab Police, volunteers will perform duties along with thousands of officials on the occasion after serving at venues ofJumatul Wida congregations, Al Quds Day rallies and markets on the eve of the Eid.

Walk-through gates, metal detectors and CCTV cameras will also be used in the security arrangements.

A security plan was finalised after a video-link conference, in which the IG of Punjab Police said snipers should be deployed on rooftops for the security of sensitive places, while police commandos in plainclothes should also be present in the major Eid congregations.

He said checking and monitoring at sensitive religious and public places as well as entrance and exit routes of districts and inter-provincial checkpoints should be made stricter.

The IG said contingents of lady police personnel should be deployed for women’s Eid prayer gatherings.

Meanwhile, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana said security would be provided for 5,000 religious places along with over 190 grounds for the Eid congregations and markets, parks, graveyards and other places in the provincial capital.

He also said strict action would be taken against persons involved in firing, one wheeling and hooliganism.

The official said surety bonds had been taken from the citizens having previous record of aerial firing, one wheeling and kite flying for not getting involved again in illegal activities.

He said preventive measures had been adopted against anti-social elements.

The CCPO appealed to the parents to restrain their children from unlawful acts that could threaten their and other citizens’ lives.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22^nd, 2023.