Punjab tightens security after suicide attack in Islamabad

Checkpoints at all entry, exit points of Lahore reinforced with officers conducting stricter inspections of vehicles

Punjab has been placed on high alert after a deadly suicide attack in Islamabad that left several people dead and scores injured, prompting an immediate security review across the province.

According to an official notification issued by the Punjab Home Department on Tuesday, law enforcement agencies and district administrations have been directed to enhance vigilance and implement comprehensive security plans to prevent any spillover threat. The department termed the Islamabad incident a 'cowardly act of terrorism' and warned that such attacks demand a 'proactive and coordinated security response' throughout Punjab.

The circular was dispatched to all senior officials, including the Inspector General of Police, divisional commissioners, regional and city police officers, deputy commissioners, and the Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122).

It instructed them to strengthen security, particularly in sensitive and densely populated areas, and to ensure that emergency response teams remain on standby. In Lahore, the police initiated a province-wide tightening of security protocols.

A spokesperson said, additional forces had been deployed around key government offices, courts, commercial centres, and critical installations. Police checkpoints at all entry and exit points of the provincial capital were reinforced, with officers conducting stricter inspections of vehicles and verifying identification documents to detect any suspicious movement.

DIG Operations Faisal Kamran directed divisional superintendents to remain in the field and personally supervise security operations. He ordered the Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit (PRU) teams to increase patrol frequency, especially in high-risk areas, and to maintain a visible presence to deter potential attacks.

Search-and-sweep operations have been intensified in multiple localities across Lahore to ensure that unregistered vehicles or suspicious individuals do not evade scrutiny. Police have also stepped up monitoring of public transport terminals, parking areas, and government complexes, while judicial and administrative buildings are under additional surveillance.

Authorities have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the law enforcement agencies. Citizens have been urged to immediately report any unusual activity, unattended objects, or suspicious individuals by calling the police helpline 15.

A senior Home Department official emphasised that protection of lives and property remains the provincial government’s foremost priority, adding that coordination between civil administration and police has been strengthened to ensure public safety.