Over 49,000 police personnel to secure Eidul Azha congregations across Punjab

• Punjab Police finalises massive Eidul Azha security plan, placing over 30,000 mosques, Imambargahs and Eid congregations under tight security cover

• 316 Quick Response Force teams deployed on standby for emergency response

• 15,000+ CCTV cameras, metal detectors and walkthrough gates to ensure layered surveillance

• Strict monitoring ordered for cattle markets, illegal sale points and criminal elements

• Cyber patrols, combing operations and anti-state surveillance intensified across Punjab

 LAHORE: Punjab Police has finalized a comprehensive, province-wide security plan to ensure foolproof arrangements for Eidul Azha congregations, cattle markets, bazaars, parks, tourist destinations and other public places across Punjab.

According to a spokesperson for Punjab Police, more than 45,000 officers and personnel will perform security duties at 30,630 mosques, Imambargahs and 907 open-air Eid congregations across the province. In addition, 316 Quick Response Force (QRF) teams will remain on standby for rapid deployment in case of any emergency.

For surveillance and checking, 11,130 metal detectors, 327 walkthrough gates and 15,273 CCTV cameras will be utilized to strengthen monitoring and ensure layered security at sensitive locations.

The spokesperson added that over 4,000 personnel have been deployed for the security of 222 cattle markets across Punjab, while more than 600 officers and personnel are performing duties at six major cattle markets in Lahore alone. In the provincial capital, over 10,000 police personnel will be deployed for security of more than 5,000 Eid congregations.

Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Kareem directed that, in view of the prevailing security environment, strict surveillance must be maintained on Fitna al-Khawarij, Fitna al-Hindustan and other anti-state elements, with enhanced deployment of plainclothes commandos, additional force and effective picketing at sensitive points.

He further ordered that province-wide intelligence-based combing, search and sweep operations be intensified without interruption to pre-empt any potential threat.

The IG directed that no cattle market should be allowed except at officially approved locations by district administrations, and strict legal action must be taken against illegal markets and unauthorized sale points.

He also stressed strong vigilance against pickpockets, fraudsters, cattle thieves and other criminal elements, directing Police Response Units and patrolling teams to ensure continuous and effective monitoring around markets.

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

The IG directed that thorough clearance and security checks of all mosques, Imambargahs and Eidgahs must be completed before Eid prayers, while cyber patrolling should be intensified to curb hateful and provocative content on social media.

He further instructed strict enforcement of Punjab government SOPs regarding sacrificial animal hides and emphasized that any collection activity by proscribed organizations must be strictly prohibited. The use of loudspeakers for collection of hides will also remain banned.

Abdul Kareem directed that Safe City surveillance systems must be fully utilized for continuous digital monitoring of markets, bazaars, parks and public places to ensure real-time response to any suspicious activity.

He also ordered strict enforcement against aerial firing, display of weapons, kite flying and one-wheeling, warning of zero tolerance for violations.

The IG further directed enhanced deployment of police personnel at parks, recreational spots and tourist destinations during Eid holidays, adding that all available resources should be utilized to ensure safety and facilitation of tourists at Murree and other hill stations.

He also instructed that additional traffic wardens be deployed on major highways and key points to ensure smooth traffic flow during the Eidul Azha holidays.