Comprehensive security plan issued for Baisakhi festival

LAHORE, Apr 04 (APP):The Punjab Home Department has issued comprehensive security and facilitation guidelines for the 327th Baisakhi Festival, scheduled to be held from April 10 to 19, during which approximately 26,000 Sikh pilgrims from across the world, including around 3,000 from India, are expected to participate.

According to a spokesperson for Home Department, Punjab Police and other law enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure foolproof security arrangements at all gurdwaras, residential accommodations and along designated routes of the pilgrims. Walkthrough gates, CCTV cameras and searchlights will be installed at all sensitive locations, while at least one officer of SP rank will be deployed to supervise security arrangements at each event.

The Special Branch has been tasked with conducting comprehensive security audits of all locations, along with ensuring strict checking of buses and screening of drivers and conductors. Authorities have also been directed to carry out combing operations in the relevant areas before the start of the festival to eliminate any potential threats.

The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) will ensure coordination with the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee  (PSGPC) and relevant authorities in India for smooth arrangements of the pilgrims. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been instructed to facilitate immigration processes by providing modern biometric-equipped counters, including separate counters for elderly pilgrims and women at the Wagah border.

The spokesperson added that power supply companies have been directed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to all gurdwaras. Help desks staffed with trained volunteers will be established at all locations to assist pilgrims, while arrangements for proper lighting, clean drinking water, air conditioning and washroom facilities will be ensured at all venues and camps. Scanners will be installed at all gurdwaras for luggage checking, while all buses transporting pilgrims will be required to possess valid fitness certificates and route permits. Each convoy will be accompanied by at least one backup bus to address any emergency situation.

The spokesperson said comprehensive medical and emergency arrangements have also been finalized. Rescue 1122 teams, bomb disposal squads and camp offices of the Evacuee Trust Property Board will be established at key locations. Medical teams comprising doctors and paramedical staff will accompany each convoy, while two ambulances will be provided with every group. Field hospitals and mobile clinics will be set up in relevant districts to ensure the availability of essential medicines.

Authorities have also directed the removal of encroachments around gurdwaras and residential sites. The Punjab Food Authority (PFA)  will ensure strict monitoring and checking of food quality at all related locations, while cleanliness arrangements will be maintained under the “Suthra Punjab” initiative across routes, accommodations and religious sites.

For effective coordination and monitoring, control rooms will be established in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Attock and Narowal, which will be linked with a central control room. All relevant departments have been instructed to activate their control rooms and ensure real-time coordination.

Deputy commissioners and district police officers of the concerned districts have been directed to ensure full and strict implementation of the security plan in letter and spirit to guarantee a peaceful and secure conduct of the Baisakhi festival.