Stringent measures: Police finalise arrangements for JI convention

Nearly 4,000 police to be deputed at Minto Park

LAHORE: Nearly 4,000 policemen, four SPs and 12 DSPs would be deployed at the Jamaat-i-Islami’s (JI’s) three-day convention at Minto Park that is set to commence today (Friday) The Express Tribune has learnt.

Security SP Malik Liaquat said police had established certain parameters with input from party officials regarding frisking of those participating in the event by JI volunteers. He said walkthrough gates and CCTV cameras would be installed at the venue to monitor the proceedings around-the-clock.



Liaquat said alternative energy sources would be available as back-up to power the search lights that have been placed at and around the venue.

He said a search had been carried out in Minto Park’s vicinity and police had received assurances from shopkeepers and residents of the area.

Liaquat said they had promised not to harbour suspicious elements before and during the convention.

He said police had briefed JI officials on how the law and order situation was not conducive to holding rallies. Liaquat said they had also been briefed on the dos and the don’ts of holding a convention. He said 41 points regarding the code of conduct to be followed had been agreed on between the party and the police. He said this would help regulate entry and exit, the placing of scuff walls and containers at the venue’s entry points, the VIP committee, the reception committee, the state committee and the list of party volunteers deployed at the venue.

Liaquat said the JI would be responsible for stalls being established at the venue and catering arrangements for the event. He said the police had started picketing the area around the venue. Liaquat said streets were being plugged and roads leading to the venue were being secured.

He said the police would ensure that traffic was kept 500 metres away from the venue.

Liaquat said there would be three-tier security to mitigate the chances of any untoward incident.

He said many political parties vowed to follow the proposed code of conduct and cooperate with the police but failed to honour their promises after securing the permission. He said the police were always accused of being inefficient and lethargic.

Liaquat said fool-proof security at events like this could only be guaranteed with the proactive cooperation of organisers. He said convenience and demands of security could not be always reconciled.

CTO Tayyab Hafeez Cheema told The Express Tribune that the traffic police had finalised arrangements to ensure a smooth flow of traffic during the convention. He said three SPs, seven DSPs, 36 inspectors and 978 wardens would be deployed for this purpose. Cheema said they would be provided with three jeeps, seven Vigo pick-ups, 16 Cultus cars, 125 heavy bikes, 73 regular motorcycles, 14 fork-lifters and four breakdowns to enable them to effectively discharge their duties.

He said diversion had been planned for connecting roads. Cheema said officials had been directed to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious movements or unattended luggage.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2014.