The plan calls for strict city control, biometric screening, increased patrolling and CCTV, pass-through gates, searchlights
Punjab Police. PHOTO: FILE
The Punjab Home Ministry on Friday issued detailed security guidelines for the upcoming month of Ramazan, prioritizing the protection of mosques, religious places and Ramazan markets across the province.
Under the directives, the authorities have been instructed to take strict action against hoarders and profiteers, regulate the use of loudspeakers in accordance with the Punjab Sound Systems Act, enforce a ban on public display of weapons and closely monitor social media to curb hate speech and provocative content.
Offensive wall chalks and posters will be removed as per the Punjab Wall Chalking Act. Public consumption of food and drink during the fasting period remains prohibited in accordance with the Respect for Ramazan Ordinance, 1981.
According to the guidelines, increased 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 controls at the city’s entry and exit points, deployment of biometric systems, increased patrolling around religious sites and expanded search operations. CCTV cameras, access gates and searchlights must be installed before the start of Ramazan.
Three-tier security arrangements, including barriers and razor wire, will remain 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 volunteer and private security guards will be coordinated with local administrations.
The department has also ordered strict monitoring of proscribed organizations and persons listed under the Fourth Schedule, with close coordination between law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies.
Senior police officers across Punjab have been directed to personally oversee security arrangements. District and divisional intelligence committees have been instructed to meet immediately, while compliance monitoring committees will submit regular reports on the implementation of security plans.
The guidelines emphasize further engagement with leaders of all religious communities, completion of mosque mapping and Pakinomist-tagging in all districts and formation of mosque management committees comprising local notables and residents under the supervision of assistant commissioners.
Emergency services, including Rescue 1122, fire services, bomb disposal squads, ambulances and medical personnel, must remain fully operational. The offices of the deputy commissioners will establish district control rooms attached to the central control room of the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure coordinated implementation of the security plan.
The Punjab Home Ministry said all available resources would be used to ensure a peaceful and safe Ramazan across the province.
