Punjab authorities have finalised extensive security measures for Eid Miladun Nabi, with police ordered to closely monitor individuals listed in the fourth schedule and members of proscribed organisations.
Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi issued the directives while briefing regional police officers, district police officers, commissioners and deputy commissioners through a video link on Friday.
Divisional police chiefs were directed to prepare comprehensive security plans and ensure strict implementation of the prescribed standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Rawalpindi City Police Officer Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera also reviewed security arrangements along procession routes and directed senior police officials to ensure adequate security and traffic management. He also held a meeting with members of the peace committee to discuss arrangements.
According to the security plan, walkthrough gates and metal detectors will be installed at entry and exit points of major gatherings, while female police officers will be deployed to facilitate the security of women participants.
Markets and shops located along procession routes will remain closed after security checks. Trained snipers, plainclothes personnel and police pickets will be deployed at sensitive locations.
Authorities have also ordered the mapping of all processions, increased police patrolling, cordoning of adjoining streets and identification of emergency exits. Construction debris near gathering points will be removed.
Additional CCTV cameras will be installed along sensitive routes and linked with the Safe City monitoring system. Major processions and gatherings will also be monitored through audio and video coverage.
The Home Department has directed officials to ensure strict enforcement of the ban on weapons displays, illegal loudspeaker use, wall chalking, hate speech and aerial firing. Security at places of worship and for prominent religious scholars and leaders will also be enhanced.
Special security arrangements will be made for Chinese and other foreign nationals.
Authorities have also ordered increased cyber monitoring to prevent the spread of extremist and sectarian content or material that could disturb public order.
Bomb disposal squads, fire brigades, hospitals and emergency services have been placed on high alert. Rescue 1122, ambulances, field hospitals, mobile clinics, first-aid camps and drinking water facilities will be made available at major gatherings.
The Punjab police chief has been directed to submit daily reports on intelligence-based and search operations, while the Counter Terrorism Department will play a key role in intelligence-led security operations.
The Home Department also ordered meetings of tehsil mosque committees ahead of 12 Rabiul Awwal and called for greater coordination with mosque imams to promote religious harmony and peace.
