LAHORE - At least 24 organisations have been given permission to collect hides of sacrificial animals in the provincial metropolis as the police are tightening its screws on banned outfits and proscribed groups, officials said on Thursday.
Police security has also been heightened across the city to maintain peace and tranquility on the eve of Eidul Azha.
Lahore Capital City Police Officer Muhammad Amin Wains has strictly warned that no group or organisation will be allowed to set up stalls or camps for collection of sacrificial animal hides except those who are given permission by the provincial government.
“All the field officers are directed to take strict action against the violators. Only 24 charities and welfare organisations can collect hides of sacrificial animals in Lahore,” the police chief said.
The charities which are given permission to collect sacrificial animal hides are included Shaukat Khanam Cancer and Research Hospital, Sahara For Life Trust, Edhi Foundation, Fatmeed Foundation, Medicare Trust, Fountain House, AQ Khan Hospital Trust, Jamia Naeemia, Noor Thalassemia Foundation, Al-Khidmat Foundation, Minhaj Welfare Foundation, Nagina Social Welfare Society, Chishtian Welfare Society, Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Rising Sun Education Welfare Society, Dawat-e-Islami, Al-Sheikh Dar-ul-Shifa (Al-Shifa Dispensary), Ubair Foundation, Anees Fatima Trust, Akhuwat Foundation, Al-Ihsan Welfare Eye Hospital, Ubair Welfare Trust, Madrassa Khuddam Ahle-Sunnat Taallam-ul-Quran, and Muhammadi Medical Trust.
Meanwhile, a police spokesperson said that at least 10,000 policemen were deployed across the provincial metropolis to maintain peace during Eid days. He said that on the directions of Lahore CCPO Amin Wains hundreds of police commandoes would also be deployed on security duties around Eid gatherings to keep a vigilant eye on the activities of the miscreants. The police chief issued these directions while presiding over a meeting held at his office on Thursday to review security arrangements during Eid days. DIG (Operations) Haider Ashraf and all the divisional police officers were also present in the meeting.
Lahore police chief has also directed officers to ensure armed patrolling in sensitive and the most sensitive areas during Eid prayers. Similarly, some 500 plainclothesmen would be deployed around Eid gatherings to check the movement of suspected persons. It may be noted here that Hafiz Saeed-led Jamat-ud-Dawa or Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation, the welfare wing of JuD, is not allowed to collect hides of sacrificial animals this year.