Strike calls fail to attract public attention as normalcy prevails across Punjab: Police

• Markets, schools, and transport remain open amid heightened security
• IGP warns of strict action under ATA against any violent activity

LAHORE: Stability prevailed across Punjab on Friday as life continued as usual in Lahore and other major cities, with no disruption to commercial, educational, or transport activities despite calls for a strike by certain groups.

According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Police, all markets, business centres, and educational institutions remained open as per routine, while traffic on major arteries, including the Motorway, GT Road, and Ring Road, flowed smoothly. Public transport also operated without interruption, and no incidents of unrest or obstruction were reported from any part of the province.

The spokesperson said citizens and the trader community had “completely rejected” the strike call given by what he termed as “miscreant elements,” reaffirming public confidence in law enforcement and the government’s measures to maintain normalcy.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr Usman Anwar said the provincial police remained fully alert to ensure the safety of citizens’ lives, property, and public assets. He said police personnel were deployed at markets, business hubs, highways, and other key locations to maintain peace and public order.

Dr Anwar warned that any unlawful or violent activity would invite strict legal action, adding that cases against such miscreants would be registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

He said Punjab Police were using advanced surveillance systems—including Safe Cities cameras, facial recognition applications, vehicle registration monitoring, and artificial intelligence — to identify and arrest anyone involved in disruptive or violent activities.

In Lahore, police maintained peace and order across the city through coordinated planning and field deployment, particularly on Jummatul Mubarak. Under the supervision of Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana, all markets, roads, and commercial areas remained fully operational, with uninterrupted traffic and normal public movement.

Surveillance was carried out through the Punjab Safe Cities Authority, while personnel from the Dolphin Squad, PRU, and other police units ensured a visible presence throughout the day.

Reiterating the department’s commitment to public safety, the CCPO said any attempts to disturb peace, incite unrest, or spread misinformation would be dealt with firmly under the law.