Punjab on high alert for Easter as 20,000 police deployed

• Province-wide security tightened across all districts, with over 3,000 personnel assigned in Lahore alone

• Markets, churches, public spaces under strict watch while Safe Cities cameras ensure round-the-clock monitoring

• Rs10m bounty outlaw Gora Umrani lays down arms as joint Punjab-Sindh operation yields breakthrough

  LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Kareem has ordered a province-wide high security alert ahead of Easter, with enhanced arrangements being implemented across all districts as more than 20,000 police personnel are deployed to safeguard religious events, including in Lahore.

According to a police statement, the IGP directed officers and personnel deployed at markets, bazaars, recreational spots, and other sensitive locations to remain on high alert at all times. Over 17,000 police officials have been assigned duties across the province, including more than 3,000 in Lahore alone.

He further instructed that the Lady Police Squad, Dolphin Force, Police Response Unit (PRU), and Elite Force ensure effective patrolling around markets and key locations. Strict and immediate action has been ordered against elements harassing women in public spaces, particularly in markets and recreational areas.

Meanwhile, a Punjab Police spokesperson said continuous monitoring of, commercial centres, and sensitive locations is being carried out through Safe Cities Authority cameras. Regional Police Officers (RPOs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) have been directed to personally visit the field and review security arrangements.

The IGP also directed personnel deployed at interprovincial border check posts to maintain strict vigilance against terrorists and anti-state elements. In view of increased public movement in markets, additional traffic wardens have been assigned to ensure smooth traffic flow on roads and at recreational spots.

He further emphasised that, in view of Easter, combing, search, and intelligence-based operations should be intensified to ensure a peaceful environment for the public.

 Notorious dacoit Gora Umrani surrenders along with accomplice

Meanwhile, Punjab Police in Rahim Yar Khan claimed a major breakthrough during an ongoing intelligence-based operation in the Katcha area, as notorious dacoit Gora Umrani surrendered along with his accomplice under sustained police pressure.

According to a spokesperson, the Punjab government had announced a reward of Rs10 million for the arrest of Gora Umrani, dead or alive. His accomplice, Farooq Umrani, also surrendered, and both suspects have been taken into custody for legal proceedings.

کچے میں پنجاب پولیس کی بڑی کامیابی، بدنام زمانہ ڈاکو گورا عمرانی سرنڈر
رحیم یارخان کے کچہ ایریا میں پنجاب پولیس کے انٹیلی جنس بیسڈ آپریشن کے نتیجے میں بدنام زمانہ ڈاکو گورا عمرانی نے اپنے ساتھی سمیت ہتھیار ڈال دیے۔ حکومت پنجاب کی جانب سے گورا عمرانی کی گرفتاری پر ایک کروڑ روپے… pic.twitter.com/2Sj9gdWmCR

— Punjab Police Official (@OfficialDPRPP) April 4, 2026

District Police Officer (DPO) Rahim Yar Khan Irfan Ali Samo said the development was the result of coordinated efforts between Punjab Police and Sindh Police, contributing to improved law and order in the riverine belt. He vowed that operations against Katcha criminals would continue without interruption.

IGP Abdul Kareem, while appreciating the performance of DPO Rahim Yar Khan and his team, said operations against criminal elements would be further intensified to eliminate crime from the region.