RAWALPINDI: The Inspector General of Police Punjab has issued a guideline to all Regional Police Officers (RPOs) for making foolproof security arrangements for Christmas, New Year celebrations and Quaid-i-Azam Day in view of the current threat perception and security environment.

The Punjab Police, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), DIG Traffic, Special Branch and Punjab Highway Patrol (PHP) have been directed to chalk out a comprehensive security plan followed by flawless execution for upcoming Christmas, New Year’s celebration and Quaid-i-Azam Day.

Under the guideline, the meetings of district intelligence committee, district peace committees and interfaith harmony care called to discuss all events, threats by terrorist groups and intra-communal rifts or tensions. Any local tensions must be resolved in advance to avoid any aggravation.

Multi-layer (3/4tiers) security covers to be maintained for all churches, western diplomatic missions. Adequate security arrangements will be made for cultural centres, offices of different UN agencies, foreign western NGOs outlets of international food chains and missionary schools.

Under the guideline, special emphasis should be laid on security of foreigners working or residing in connection with different development projects. Technical sweeping of all venues shall be carried out in coordination

Activities of religious extremists, persons on fourth schedule and other mischievous elements shall be monitored carefully to preempt any unusual activity.

Hate speeches, distribution of hate material, provocative speeches or any other violation aimed at disrupting harmony must not be spared and perpetrators shall be taken to task.

Police personnel should be deployed in adequate numbers to ensure security of markets, public parks, food outlets, shopping malls, bus stands and other places. Extensive patrolling around Christmas venues by dolphin squads, PRU and police mobiles shall be an integral component of the security plan.

Quick Response Force teams shall be stationed at strategic points for prompt and quick response besides striking awe and fear in the hearts of miscreants. Joint control room shall be established representing all Rescue and Relief agencies at district and divisional level. Strict criminal action will be taken against aerial firing and one wheeling during the New Year celebration.

Quaid-e-Azam Day is officially celebrated on December 25, as the birth of the founder of Pakistan and a number of programmes will be held across the province to pay homage to the father of the nation. Owing to the prevailing security situation and sensitivity of the events, foolproof security apparatus shall be put in place to thwart any unpleasant activity and incident free culmination of all the activities.

A complete list of events should be prepared and adequate security cover be provided to all the events to avoid any mishap. Significance of preventive measures including search/combing operations and IBOs in the vicinity of the public places cannot be over emphasized.

Walk-through gates and scanners should be installed at highly sensitive and vulnerable venues and metal detectors would be provided at all entry points for body search of all participants. Sufficient lady police should be deployed at public places, parks and other venues because a large number of women participate in Quaid-i-Azam Day programmes.

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2023