Punjab Police on high alert amid surge of buyers at cattle markets ahead of Eidul Azha

• Police deploy over 4,000 personnel for Eidul Azha security at 222 cattle markets across province

• 600 officers assigned to six cattle markets in Lahore alone as PRUs and patrol teams tasked with curbing crime around markets

• IG orders strict action against illegal markets and sale points as region-wise deployment spans Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan and others

 LAHORE: On the directions of Punjab Inspector General Police Abdul Kareem, strict security arrangements have been ensured at cattle markets across the province in the run-up to Eidul Azha, with police personnel deployed on high alert for the protection of buyers and traders.

Sharing details, a Punjab Police spokesperson said more than 4,000 officers and personnel have been deployed for the security of 222 cattle markets across Punjab, including Lahore. In the provincial capital, over 600 police officials are performing duties at six cattle markets.

IG Punjab Abdul Kareem directed that comprehensive security measures be ensured for traders and citizens at all designated cattle markets. He stressed that no cattle market will be allowed at any location other than those approved by the district administration, warning that strict legal action will be taken against illegal markets and sale points.

He further directed authorities to formulate an effective patrolling plan to curb fraud, pickpocketing and other criminal activity, adding that Police Response Units and patrolling teams must maintain continuous surveillance around cattle markets.

آر پی او ملتان عثمان اکرم گوندل کا کمشنر ملتان کے ہمراہ مویشی منڈیوں کا دورہ، سیکیورٹی انتظامات کا جائزہ، متعلقہ افسران کو ضروری ہدایات جاری۔ pic.twitter.com/xDzHHhMrrV

— RPO Multan Official (@rpo_multan) May 23, 2026

According to the spokesperson, deployment across the province includes 150 personnel in 23 cattle markets in Sheikhupura Region, 525 in 44 markets in Gujranwala Region, over 340 in 22 markets in Rawalpindi Region, 170 in 22 markets in Sargodha Region, over 538 in 19 markets in Faisalabad, over 480 in 20 markets in Multan, over 230 in 11 markets in Sahiwal, over 410 in 29 markets in Bahawalpur, and over 210 in 26 cattle markets in DG Khan.

DPO Muhammad Abid paid a surprise visit to the cattle markets of Khanewal and Jahanian, where he reviewed security arrangements, checked CCTV monitoring, and directed police officers and officials to remain alert and perform their duties vigilantly. pic.twitter.com/Ph2eCMOXFk

— DPO Khanewal (@dpokhanewal) May 24, 2026

 Punjab Police on high alert during church security duties

Meanwhile, Punjab Police personnel also remained on high alert while performing security duties during Christian worship and prayer services held at churches across the province, including Lahore.

اقلیتی عبادت گاہوں کا تحفظ؛ ڈی آئی جی آپریشنز لاہور کے فیلڈ وزٹس
🛡️ سکیورٹی الرٹ: گرجا گھروں میں دعائیہ تقریبات کے موقع پر سکیورٹی کے فول پروف انتظامات مکمل؛ شہر بھر میں پولیس ہائی الرٹ۔
🔍 آن گراؤنڈ معائنہ: ...
1/3#لاہورپولیس #digoperationsr #lahorepolice #لاہور #punjab pic.twitter.com/iwUIZnIDH5

— DIG Operations Lahore (@digopslahore) May 24, 2026

Earlier, IG Punjab Abdul Kareem had issued special instructions to RPOs, DPOs and senior officers to further strengthen security at churches. He directed supervisory officers to personally inspect arrangements at churches, sensitive locations and other important sites.

لاہور سمیت صوبہ بھر کے گرجا گھروں میں مسیحی عباداتی دعائیہ پروگرام، پنجاب پولیس ہائی الرٹ،
آئی جی پنجاب عبدالکریم کا آر پی اوز، ڈی پی اوز، سینئر پولیس افسران کو گرجا گھروں اور حساس مقامات کی سکیورٹی بڑھانے سکیورٹی انتظامات خود چیک کرنے کی ہدایت۔
گرجا گھروں، مسیحی آبادیوں اورحساس… pic.twitter.com/lMPVtjR7BZ

— Punjab Police Official (@OfficialDPRPP) May 24, 2026

He ordered the deployment of additional police personnel and snipers at sensitive churches, while Dolphin Squad, Police Response Units (PRU) and Elite Force teams were instructed to ensure effective patrolling.

The IG further directed officers to remain highly vigilant and closely monitor suspicious elements. He also ordered continued search and sweep operations around churches, Christian localities and sensitive areas.