47,000 policemen to guard Eid congregations across Punjab

• Province on high alert as comprehensive security plan rolled out for Chand Raat and Eidul Fitr

• Strict monitoring, patrolling intensified with markets, mosques and public places under effective surveillance

 LAHORE: Punjab Police has finalised a comprehensive security plan for Chand Raat and Eidul Fitr, announcing the deployment of more than 47,000 officers and personnel for over 29,000 Eid congregations across the province, according to an official statement.

Security will remain on high alert across Punjab, including Lahore, on Chand Raat and Eidul Fitr, following directives of Abdul Kareem to ensure foolproof arrangements on the auspicious occasion.

More than 17,000 officers and personnel, including lady police, will be deployed at markets and key locations across the province, including Lahore, on Chand Raat, the statement said, quoting the Punjab IG Police.

چاند رات، عید الفطر کیلئے پنجاب پولیس کا سکیورٹی پلان جاری، صوبہ بھر میں مارکیٹوں، اہم مقامات پر لیڈی پولیس سمیت 17 ہزار سے زائد افسران و اہلکار تعینات ہونگے۔ عید الفطر پر صوبہ بھر میں 29 ہزار عید اجتماعات کیلئے47 ہزار سے زائد افسران و اہلکار تعینات ہونگے۔
سپیشل برانچ، سی ٹی ڈی،… pic.twitter.com/GrhrlNhhDu

— Punjab Police Official (@OfficialDPRPP) March 18, 2026

Sharing further details, a Punjab Police spokesperson said that 5,000 officers and personnel will perform security duties in the provincial capital on Chand Raat. On Eidul Fitr, more than 47,000 officers and personnel will be deployed for 29,000 congregations across Punjab, including Lahore, while 10,000 officers and personnel will be assigned duties in the provincial capital.

The IG Police said that, with the support of Special Branch, CTD and other security agencies, strict vigilance will be maintained on terrorists and miscreant elements. In view of the prevailing regional and security situation along the western border, he emphasised that personnel deployed at inter-provincial borders and riverine police check posts must remain on high alert.

He further directed that continuous monitoring of mosques, imambargahs, markets and other sensitive locations be ensured through CCTV cameras. Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit (PRU) and Elite Force teams will carry out effective patrolling around mosques, markets and other important places, the statement added.

The spokesperson said one-wheeling, aerial firing, hooliganism and kite flying will not be allowed under any circumstances, warning that strict action will be taken against miscreants involved in harassing women and families.

The Punjab IG Police also directed Regional Police Officers (RPOs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) to personally supervise security arrangements for Chand Raat and Eidul Fitr. He further instructed that additional personnel be deployed to ensure smooth traffic flow on major highways as well as at recreational and public places.

Deportation of illegally foreigners further accelerated

Meanwhile, the process of deportation of foreign nationals residing illegally in Punjab has been further accelerated.

According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, a total of 32,932 illegally residing foreign nationals, including Afghans, have so far been deported from across the province, including Lahore, while 401 individuals are currently present at various holding points.

Providing a breakdown, the spokesperson said that among those deported, 12,498 are men, 6,686 are women and 13,748 are children. Of the total, 10,482 had proof of residence, 11,100 were Afghan Citizen Card holders, while 11,350 were illegally residing foreign nationals.

IG Police Abdul Kareem said that security remains on high alert across the province and that the deportation of all illegally residing individuals is being ensured. He added that Punjab Police is implementing the deportation policy in accordance with international laws, with full observance of human rights throughout the process.