Punjab gears up for safe, clean Eid
The Punjab government has launched an extensive security and sanitation operation across the province to ensure public safety and maintain hygiene during the three-day religious festival.
A centralised coordination system involving the Home Department, police, local governments and waste management companies has been activated.
Officials say the integrated effort aims to deliver a safe and clean environment for citizens celebrating Eid.
A round the clock Central Control Room has been established in Lahore under the supervision of the Punjab Home Secretary.
The Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR), the control room will monitor all districts around the clock and coordinate law enforcement efforts and government directives.
Enforcement of Section 144 has been put in place in several areas of the province.
The orders prohibit public slaughter of animals, swimming or boating in rivers, canals, or dams, and the disposal of animal waste into manholes or waterways. Additional bans include the use of fireworks, drones, laser lights, pigeon flying, and installation of temporary mechanical rides within a 15-kilometre radius of any airport or airbase.
The home department also announced a crackdown on unauthorised collection of animal hides.
"No proscribed organisation will be allowed to collect hides," a spokesperson stated.
Only registered and certified charities with the Punjab Charity Commission will be permitted to do so.
Lahore police have finalised an elaborate security plan for Eid, deploying over 9,000 personnel across the city.
The operation will be supervised by 6 Superintendents of Police (SPs), 22 Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs), and 83 Station House Officers (SHOs).
The Dolphin and PRU forces will be on high alert, with more than 1,600 officers in the field, supported by 700 traffic officers to manage Eid traffic.
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority will monitor Eid congregations, mosques, and imambargahs through surveillance systems.
"All religious gatherings will be under close watch, and any violation of the government's directives will result in strict action," said Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana.
Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq described the sanitation plan as a "challenge," particularly as over 360,000 tons of animal waste are expected across the province during Eid. Speaking at a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat, the minister said the targets set by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz were "ambitious but achievable."
To tackle the enormous cleanup task, 11.69 million biodegradable bags will be distributed. Over 124,000 sanitation workers, supported by 15,204 temporary recruits, will work under the Suthra Punjab programme. The operation will utilise 125,794 machines and vehicles, in addition to the existing 29,638 sanitation units.
Officials have designated 3,870 primary collection points and 4,262 union council-level camps, along with 1,661 collective slaughter sites to discourage public slaughtering.
To monitor cleanliness in real time, all waste management and municipal offices have established local control rooms, while the central control room in Lahore will oversee the province-wide operation.
"There will be zero tolerance for negligence," said Minister Rafiq. "Photographic evidence of all cleaning activities must be submitted and public awareness campaigns must include participation from elected local representatives."
Following Eid, authorities will spray rose water and phenyl on roads for sanitation. Additionally, 2.83 million kilograms of lime will be used to disinfect affected areas.
Evening roadside sales of sacrificial animals have been strictly prohibited, and officials have been directed to conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance.
"No reports of livestock-related diseases or dengue have been received so far," Minister Rafiq noted, confirming that Livestock, Municipal, and District Administration officers are working in close coordination.
As the province gears up for the Eid holidays, the Punjab government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe, hygienic, and peaceful environment for all citizens.