LAHORE - After sectarian strife in Rawalpindi, Multan, and Bahawalnagar, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khan Baig has directed the police to remain on high alert.
“All the police officers and officials who were deployed on security duties during the holy month of Muharram are directed to remain on-guard till further orders,” a spokesperson for the Punjab police said on Saturday.
According to an official handout, the provincial police chief has also directed all the Regional Police Officers (RPOs) and Districts Police Officers (DPOs) to keep the police force on alert and properly monitor the activities of the suspected elements, who were trying to create misunderstandings among the people.
The IGP has also directed the officers to check the elements involved in spreading rumors and misleading the masses besides providing security to public and their properties.
Meanwhile, Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore Chaudhry Shafique Ahmed has directed the police to remain on high-alert to maintain peace in the provincial metropolis.
A police spokesman said that the city police chief also directed the all divisional SPs, SDPOs, and SHOs to remain in the field in there respective areas to ensure maximum security particularly in the sensitive areas.
The CCPO also appreciated the police force for performing excellent security duties during the first 10 days of Muharram and hoped that the police force would continue performing their duties with the same spirit to maintain law and order in Lahore.
All the staff of the investigation wing of the Lahore police has also been deployed in the in field to assist the operation police to ensure security of the worship places and important buildings in the sensitive areas.
The CCPO issued these directions while presiding over a high-level meeting held to review the security situation in Lahore on Saturday. DIG Investigation, SSP Operations, SSP (Investigation) and SP (Security) were also present on this occasion.
The CCPO also warned the officers that under the present situation a minor negligence could lead to major disaster. Therefore, all the officers should remain in the field to maintain peace till further orders. He also directed them to keep a vigilant eye on the security of worship places especially in the sensitive areas.
The police are also directed to remain in constant contact with the religious leaders, members of peace committees, and political leaders to prevent any untoward incident. The police patrolling has also been intensified across the provincial metropolis, the police spokesman claimed.