Over 30,000 cops to be deployed for Easter, Good Friday security in Punjab

LAHORE, Apr 01 (APP):Additional Inspector General Operations Muhammad Ali Naikokara on Wednesday chaired a meeting at the Central Police Office to finalise comprehensive security arrangements for Good Friday and Easter, with over 30,000 police personnel to be deployed across Punjab.
The meeting, held via video link, was attended by RPOs, DIGs, SSP Operations Lahore and other officers, who briefed on security and traffic plans in their respective regions.
According to a spokesperson, for 2,270 Good Friday events, more than 13,000 personnel would be deployed, while over 17,000 officers would perform duties at 3,153 Easter gatherings. In Lahore alone, over 5,000 personnel would be deployed.
Muhammad Ali Naikokara directed that entry to churches be allowed only after strict checking and verification, while community volunteers should remain vigilant alongside police.
He ordered intensification of search, sweep and combing operations ahead of the events, with close monitoring of suspicious elements through door-to-door checks.
The meeting emphasised coordination with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority and district administrations, and maintaining contact with church managements and community leaders to promote interfaith harmony.
The spokesperson said snipers and commandos would be deployed at sensitive locations, including churches, parks and Christian localities, while Dolphin Force, PRU and Elite Force would ensure effective patrolling.
Strict checking at entry and exit points of cities would be carried out, and officers were directed to remain on duty until the conclusion of all Easter-related activities, the spokesperson added.