CCPO warns officers to remain watchful during Ramazan

CCPO Lahore directed the city police to utilise all resources to ensure law and order during the month of Ramazan.

LAHORE: The Capital City Police Officer (CCPO), Muhammad Aslam Tareen, on Monday directed the city police to utilise all resources to ensure law and order during the month of Ramazan. The CCPO told the divisional SPs and SHOs to patrol their areas half an hour before the sehri and iftar timing. He warned that negligence in performance of duties during the month of Ramazan would not be tolerated.

The CCPO was addressing a special meeting, held in connection with the security arrangements during Ramazan, at his office.

He ordered all divisional SPs and SHOs to visit all mosques and imambargahs, which fell under their jurisdiction, to ensure security arrangements. He told them to depute officials at the religious sites after proper verification. He said that the use of loud speakers will not be allowed during Ramazan, except for the taravih prayers, the Arabic sermon before the Friday prayers, and the azan. He directed the officers present to take strict legal action against the violators.

The CCPO said that car parking arrangements should be made at least 100-metres from the mosque buildings. He said that a security guard or a police constable must be deployed at the parking area to undertake a comprehensive check before letting anyone park their vehicle.

He directed the divisional SPs and SHOs to maintain proper security arrangements at all hotels, and Sunday and Ramazan Bazaars. He cautioned the officers that motorcycles and vehicles should not be allowed to enter the Ramzan and Sunday Bazaars

He added that thorough security inspection of bus stands and railway station must be ensured.

He asked the officers present to educate the citizens and warn them that they should also remain vigilant.

“Tell them to immediately report anything suspicious at the 15 police emergency,” he said.

The CCPO further directed the divisional SPs to properly brief their subordinates on the precautions they should take and mistakes they should avoid on duty.

He said that the smooth flow of traffic should be ensured during rush hours. In the end, Tareen directed the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) to supervise all circle officers and traffic wardens. He asked the CTO to ensure that the officers in charge of the traffic flow did not neglect their duties during the month.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2010.