RAWALPINDI: The district administration and police on Tuesday finalised security arrangements for Eidul Azha.

The police said over 3,000 personnel had been deployed in the city, especially around mosques, imambargahs and grounds where Eid prayers would be offered.

The police have also formed mobile teams of Muhafiz Squad, Dolphin Squad for patrolling in the city.

“The police will ensure that no banned outfit collects animal hides from any area of the city and the district and in this regard village committees have also been made functional,” said a senior police officer.

He said deployment at police pickets had been increased while officials had been directed to intensify checking at all the entry points of the city.

The bomb disposal squad has also been put on a high alert.

The official said leaves of police officials and elite personnel deployed in sensitive areas had been canceled.

All officers have been directed to monitor the movement of suspected people and vehicles in their areas.

Administrations of mosques, imambargahs and volunteers were given a detailed briefing on security arrangements to avoid any untoward situation.

He said additional force would be deployed around markets, bazaars, trade centres, railway stations, bus stands, cinemas and public parks.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government on Tuesday declared emergency in three government hospitals of the garrison city and canceled the Eid holidays of their administrative staff and doctors.

The hospital officials said the health secretary had directed medical superintendents of Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Holy Family Hospital and District Headquarters Hospital to ensure their presence in the hospitals to cope with any emergency situation during the Eid.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2018