Punjab on high alert after cross-border terror threats

• Punjab IG orders province-wide security clampdown, stepped up protection for foreigners

• Over 2,700 search and combing operations carried, hundreds suspects detained with explosives, weapons seized

 LAHORE: In view of the prevailing national security situation and recent terrorist incidents traced to a neighbouring country, authorities have decided to further reinforce security across Punjab. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting held at the Central Police Office under the chairmanship of Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Kareem, where the overall law and order situation, along with ongoing and proposed security measures, was reviewed in detail.

During the meeting, the IGP ordered a province-wide high security alert and directed that protection for foreign nationals — including Chinese citizens and Sikh pilgrims — be further strengthened. He instructed that security at mosques, Imambargahs, shrines, sensitive locations, installations, markets, and utility bazaars be tightened. Personnel deployed at inter-provincial border posts, religious sites, and sensitive installations were told to remain on high alert while performing their duties. District officers, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Special Branch, and other intelligence agencies were directed to ensure effective security through close coordination and consultation.

The IGP also ordered strict enforcement of government restrictions imposed under Section 144, particularly in view of the recent use of drones in terrorist attacks. Supervisory officers were instructed to conduct regular briefings of personnel stationed at checkpoints and key locations. He stressed that female police officers deployed for the protection of women in utility bazaars and markets must remain vigilant, while suspicious vehicles, rickshaws, and loaders at city entry and exit points and other sensitive locations must be closely monitored.

Meanwhile, intelligence-based combing and search operations by the Punjab Police are continuing uninterrupted across the province, including Lahore, in light of the current national security environment. According to a police spokesperson, 250 intelligence-based operations were conducted across Punjab over the past five days, during which 6,139 individuals were questioned and 28 criminals were taken into custody. The operations led to the recovery of more than one kilogram of explosive material, 11 detonators, and 20 feet of safety fuse wire from miscreants and anti-state elements.

During the same period, 2,545 combing operations were carried out across the province, including Lahore, in which more than 76,000 individuals were questioned and 509 criminals and suspects were arrested. As a result of these operations, one Kalashnikov, nine rifles, 35 pistols, four guns, and a large quantity of ammunition were recovered.

The IGP directed that intelligence-based search, sweep, and combing operations be continued in a more effective manner to hold anti-state and criminal elements accountable. He further instructed that the process of door-knocking be sustained to curb terrorism and criminal activities, and that verification and identification of travellers arriving from other cities, as well as individuals residing in hotels, be strictly ensured.

The meeting was attended by the Additional IG Operations, Additional IG Special Branch, DIG Traffic, AIG Operations, AIG Development, and other senior officers. Additional IG CTD, CCPO Lahore, Additional IG South Punjab, Additional IG CCD, regional police officers (RPOs), city police officers (CPOs), and district police officers (DPOs) participated via video link.