LAHORE - Lahore DIG Haider Ashraf yesterday expressed his satisfaction over the law and order situation in the metropolis and ordered the police to prepare for two forthcoming religious congregations.
While Muslims will celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi by the end of this month, the Christian community will be rejoicing the happiness of Christmas on December 25.
Thousands of police will be deployed across the provincial metropolis to maintain peace and harmony with heavy security for religious gatherings.
City (Operations) police chief, Haider Ashraf said the security of religious congregations always remain a challenging task for the law enforcement agencies since the country had been battling extremism and terrorism.
While presiding over a “law and order review” meeting at the Police Lines Qila Gujjar Singh yesterday, the officer said the police security must be ensured at schools where special ceremonies will take place to remember the sacrifices of Peshawar schoolchildren. SSP (VIP Security) Athar Ismail, Lahore SP security Liaqat Ali Malik and SP Headquarters Omar Saeed were also present on this occasion besides other field officers.
The DIG acknowledged the services of policemen particularly field officers for maintaining foolproof security for Chehlum of Imam Hussain (RA) and annual Urs of Ali Hajvery, also known as Data Gunj Bukhsh recently.
The police chief directed the officers to remain in close contact with the administration of worship places and religious leaders so that a comprehensive security strategy could be finalised with their recommendations.
Heavy police contingents will remain on guard across the provincial metropolis particularly around shopping malls, markets, worship places, and other public gatherings.
Police Response Units will patrol on leading roads and around sensitive points while cops will search motorists at all the entry and exit points of the capital.
On this occasion, the DIG also directed the officers to step up crackdown on hardened criminals and continue search operations against suspected elements.