LAHORE, Feb 13 (APP): The Punjab Home Department has issued comprehensive security guidelines to ensure foolproof arrangements across the province during the holy month of Ramazan, declaring security of mosques, religious places and Ramazan bazaars as the top priority.
According to a spokesperson for Punjab Home Department, strict implementation of a comprehensive security plan has been directed to maintain law and order during Ramazan. Senior police and administrative officers have been instructed to personally supervise security arrangements, while compliance checking committees will be formed across the province.
The department directed that additional police personnel be deployed at mosques, madrassas and imambargahs, and security be further tightened during Sehr, Iftar, Taraweeh and Friday prayers. Strict checking at entry and exit points of cities, use of biometric machines, enhanced patrolling, snap checking and search operations around worship places have also been ordered.
It further directed installation of CCTV cameras, walkthrough gates and search lights before the start of Ramazan, while three-layer security, razor wire and barriers will be ensured at important locations, especially during Friday and Taraweeh congregations. Entry and exit points of worship places will be limited and secured, and special arrangements, including Iftar, will be made for security personnel deployed in the field.
The Home Department also ordered strict monitoring of proscribed organisations and individuals listed in the Fourth Schedule, directing law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies to maintain close coordination. Meetings of district and divisional intelligence committees have been ordered to be convened immediately.
The spokesperson said that mapping and geo-tagging of mosques across Punjab had been completed, and Tehsil Mosque Committees had been established under the supervision of assistant commissioners to ensure close coordination with local mosque management committees and community representatives.
The administration has been directed to take strict action against hoarders and profiteers during Ramazan and to establish district control rooms in all Deputy Commissioners’ Offices, linked with the central control room of the Home Department.
Zero tolerance has been announced against misuse of loudspeakers under the Punjab Sound Systems Act, display of weapons, wall chalking and provocative or hateful content on social media. Strict action will also be taken under the Punjab Wall Chalking Act to remove objectionable writings and posters.
The department also instructed ensuring availability of Rescue 1122, fire brigade, bomb disposal squad, ambulances and doctors across the province to deal with any emergency situation.
All senior administrative and police officers have been directed to utilise all available resources to maintain a peaceful and secure environment during the holy month of Ramazan.