LAHORE:
The Punjab government has finalised an extensive province-wide security plan for Eid ul-Fitr and Chand Raat, deploying more than 47,000 police personnel to maintain law and order during the festive period.
The plan was approved during the 50th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, chaired by Khawaja Salman Rafique and co-chaired by Bilal Yasin at the Punjab Home Department.
Provincial Minister for Auqaf, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, also attended the session.
Officials reviewed the overall security situation and assessed arrangements for Eid celebrations, as well as for Pakistan Day and upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches scheduled from March 26 to May 3 in Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi.
According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, over 17,000 personnel, including female officers, will be deployed at markets and key public locations on Chand Raat, with more than 5,000 assigned to Lahore alone.
On Eid day, over 47,000 officers will be deployed to secure approximately 29,000 congregations across the province, including around 10,000 in Lahore.
The committee directed authorities to implement foolproof, three-tier security arrangements at mosques, imambargahs and open prayer gatherings.
Surveillance through CCTV cameras will be enhanced, while specialised unitsincluding the Special Branch, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit (PRU) and Elite Forcewill remain on high alert.
A ban under Section 144 on drone flying will remain in force, while aerial firing, one-wheeling, temporary mechanical rides and kite flying will be strictly prohibited during the festive period.
Authorities also ordered heightened security at markets, parks and other recreational venues, alongside comprehensive traffic management plans to prevent congestion.
The meeting approved the continued deployment of two Rangers companies at check posts in Mianwali and sanctioned financial assistance for victims of a recent attack in Bhakkar.
Speaking on the occasion, Salman Rafique said extraordinary security measures were necessary in light of the prevailing regional situation and urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
Bilal Yasin stressed strict implementation of security protocols across all districts, while Chaudhry Shafay Hussain called for active involvement of peace committees to promote interfaith harmony.
Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi directed officials to enforce a ban on the public display of weapons, establish checkpoints at inter-provincial entry and exit points, and ensure effective coordination and timely information sharing among all departments.
