Police chalk out security plan for Eid congregations

8,000 cops to perform Eid duty in metropolis

LAHORE:

Punjab Police has completed arrangements for the security of Eid gatherings in mosques, imambargahs and open places across the province.

Dr Usman Anwar said 36,258 officers and officials will perform security duties for Eid prayer gatherings being held at 27,355 mosques and imambargahs and 775 open places.

Moreover, in the provincial capital Lahore over 8,000 officers and officials will perform security duties of around 5,000 Eid prayer gatherings.

Over 2,973 police national volunteers, 1468 special police, 268 QRF teams will also be deployed for security arrangements, while 11,967 metal detectors, 263 walk-through gates and 4,921 CCTV cameras will also provide security for Eid prayers.

The IGP said a comprehensive strategy has been formulated for the protection of mosques, imambargahs, Eid gatherings and citizens across the province and additional personnel would also be deployed for the security of parks and recreational places during Eid holidays.

Strict action has been ordered against one-wheeling, aerial firing, kite flying and eve-teasing would not be tolerated. He stressed upon ensuring implementation of SOPs issued by the interior ministry with respect to the collection of hides.

He also directed to strictly monitor all the proscribed organisations involved in illegal activities and Fourth Schedule persons effectively.

The IGP said complete checking and clearance of all mosques, imambargahs and Eidghahs should be ensured before Eid prayers, snipers must be deployed on the rooftops of A-category mosques and Imam Bargahs and commandos in plain clothes should also be deployed inside Eid gatherings.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2023.