Security beefed up in Rawalpindi
The Rawalpindi police have completed all necessary security arrangements for the August 14 celebrations across the district.
Over 3,000 police personnel are set to be deployed in Rawalpindi and Murree.
Additionally, more than 700 wardens and their supervisors will be stationed on the roads to ensure smooth traffic flow during the festivities.
To address potential safety concerns, 38 checkpoints will be established by a special squad to prevent activities such as aerial firing, wheelie, and racing.
City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani emphasised the strict enforcement of rules and the prevention of disruptive activities that could cause panic among citizens. Hamdani stated that a firm approach would be taken towards individuals engaging in rule violations.
According to officials, the Rawalpindi district administration has devised a comprehensive plan to counter actions such as aerial firing, road congestion, road blockades, and reckless driving during the Independence Day celebrations.
The Rawalpindi police will ensure adequate security for gatherings, events, and rallies scheduled to be held on the 13th and 14th of August.
CPO Hamdani revealed that over two thousand police personnel and officers from the Rawalpindi police force, supervised by the Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations), will be deployed to maintain security during the celebrations.
Enhanced security measures will also be implemented in Murree, where more than 800 policemen will be assigned to safeguard the public.
Moreover, the Rawalpindi City Traffic Police, led by Chief Traffic Officer Taimoor Khan, will oversee the deployment of over seven hundred officers and wardens.
Special security teams will be assigned to parks to ensure the safety of attendees.
Monitoring efforts will be conducted by mobile teams from police stations, along with the Elite and Dolphin forces, to oversee the events on the 13th and 14th of August.
The CPO reaffirmed the commitment to prevent any unnecessary actions that could endanger the public. Suspicious individuals and items are under close observation, and rigorous checks are being conducted at entry and exit points of the city, he said.
Meanwhile, Rescue Murree-1122 has also chalked out an emergency plan to handle emergencies.
As part of the plan, all emergency vehicles would be deployed at strategic locations keeping in mind the timely response.
Permanent rescue stations have been set up at Pindi Point, GT Road, Chhra Pani, Sattra Mile, Expressway, New Murree, Khajat Expressway, Upper Jehkagli Road, Kalimti Barian Road, and Upper Deol Road, Osiya.
Moreover, facilitation centres have been established by the district administration as per the emergency plan at Masyadi Chowk Expressway, Lower Topa, Jhikagali, Kaldna Chowk, GPO Chowk, Kashmir Point, Chhatra GT Road, Mall, Kali Mati and Tourist Place.
Rescue personnel would also perform their duties at New Murree.
A district administration spokesman said the caretaker Chief Minister (CM) Punjab on Saturday visited Murree and reviewed arrangements finalised by the administration for Independence Day.
A special meeting regarding Independence Day arrangements was held at Government House Murree which was chaired by Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
The CM during a briefing was informed that nearly 400,000 tourists are expected to visit Murree during the next 48 hours.