Policemen stand guard outside a local church in Lahore on Saturday, April 15, 2017. PHOTO: ONLINE
LAHORE:
More than 30,000 police personnel will be deployed for the security of over 2,900 churches across Punjab on Christmas.
According to a security plan for Christmas and Quaid-i-Azam Day, over 5,000 personnel will perform duties at more than 600 Christian places of worship in Lahore.
More than 1,000 personnel will be deployed for the security of the Quaid-i-Azam Day programmes.
According to a spokesperson, women police personnel will also be deployed for checking female citizens on the occasion. Churches have been divided into categories based on sensitivity. The A category includes 142 churches, B category 291 and C more than 2,500.
Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar directed all regional and district police officers to deploy additional force at sensitive churches. He said the police should keep a strict watch on anti-state elements and suspicious individuals.
He directed supervisory officers to.ensure security arrangements through continuous liaison and consultation with church administrations.
He also ordered effective patrolling around churches and Christian localities.
The IGP said security of recreational places would also be ensured.
