August 13, 2006	Sunday	Rajab 17, 1427

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LAHORE, Aug 12: IGP Ziaul Hasan has directed using close circuit cameras and metal detectors for averting any eventuality during Independence Day festivities.

In a directive to all regional police officers, Range DIGs and DPOs, the IGP also sought formation of rapid response mobile squads for effective monitoring of public meetings.

The capital city police have immediately set up a crisis management centre at the DIG (Operations) office that will operate round-the-clock till Aug 15.

Equipped with metal detectors, policemen will be deployed at entry and exit points of Minar-i-Pakistan lawns during public meetings being organised by the MQM and the MMA on Aug 13 and 14, respectively.

Chairing a meeting here on Saturday, city police chief Additional IG Khwaja Khalid Farooq sought deployment of bomb disposal squads, fire-brigade officials and paramedical staff at various city roads to tackle any unwarranted situation in coordination with the City District Government Lahore (CDGL).

Under the security arrangements being made for Aug 14, the policemen in uniform and plainclothes will avert any kind of hooliganism, eve-teasing and one-wheeling, while two-wheelers will not be allowed on city roads without silencers on the Independence Day.

The emergency police (15) have been asked to remain on high alert regarding blockade of roads, traffic hazard and motorist families stranded on various roads.

The police will provide immediate help to families and arrest the eve-teasers.

Abandoned vehicles on roadsides and suspects, especially at bus terminals and railway stations as well as hotels and inns in vulnerable areas, will be scanned and frisked.

The police chief warned the supervisory police officers (SPOs) that they would be held responsible for any eventuality in their respective areas.