Plan mandates strict city checks, biometric screening, increased patrols, and CCTV, walk-through gates, searchlights
Punjab Police. PHOTO: FILE
The Punjab Home Department on Friday issued detailed security guidelines for the upcoming month of Ramazan, prioritising the protection of mosques, religious sites and Ramazan markets across the province.
Under the directives, authorities have been instructed to take strict action against hoarders and profiteers, regulate the use of loudspeakers in line with the Punjab Sound Systems Act, enforce a ban on the public display of weapons, and closely monitor social media to curb hate speech and provocative content.
Offensive wall chalking and posters will be removed under the Punjab Wall Chalking Act. Public consumption of food and drink during fasting hours will remain prohibited in accordance with the Respect for Ramazan Ordinance, 1981.
According to the guidelines, enhanced security will be provided at mosques, madrassas, imambargahs and Ramazan markets, with additional personnel deployed at places of worship. Security measures will be intensified during Sehri, Iftar, Taraweeh and Friday prayers.
The plan calls for strict checking at city entry and exit points, the deployment of biometric systems, increased patrolling around religious sites and expanded search operations. CCTV cameras, walk-through gates and searchlights are to be installed before the start of Ramazan.
Three-tier security arrangements, including barriers and razor wire, will be put in place at key locations during Friday and Taraweeh prayers, with controlled and secured entry and exit routes.
Special Iftar arrangements will be made for security personnel on duty, while the deployment of volunteers and private security guards will be coordinated with local administrations.
The department has also ordered strict monitoring of proscribed organisations and individuals listed under the Fourth Schedule, with close coordination between law enforcement agencies and intelligence services.
Senior police officers across Punjab have been directed to personally oversee security arrangements. District and divisional intelligence committees have been instructed to convene immediately, while compliance monitoring committees will submit regular reports on the implementation of security plans.
The guidelines further emphasise engagement with leaders of all religious communities, completion of mosque mapping and geo-tagging in all districts, and the formation of mosque management committees comprising local notables and residents under the supervision of assistant commissioners.
Emergency services, including Rescue 1122, fire brigades, bomb disposal squads, ambulances and medical staff, are to remain fully operational. Deputy commissioners’ offices will establish district control rooms linked to the central Home Department control room to ensure coordinated implementation of the security plan.
The Punjab Home Department said all available resources would be utilised to ensure a peaceful and secure Ramazan throughout the province.
