ISLAMABAD: As Christmas will be observed on Monday, the capital police have planned security arrangements and will make special deployment at churches and public places.

A police public relations officer (PRO) said that on the directions of Islamabad Capital City Police Officer Dr Akbar Nasir Khan, the police had been put on high alert and 1,500 personnel deployed to ensure foolproof security on the eve of Christmas.

Greenbelts near churches would be completely searched while mobiles, Dolphin Squad and police commandos would ensure patrolling in these areas. Pakistan Rangers will also perform duties, the PRO said while quoting SSP Operations Islamabad Malik Jamil Zafar.

“Police personnel will be deployed at churches, markets and recreational places situated near worship places. Special pickets have been set up on major highways and boulevards,” he said.

He said security duties at public places, including parks, would be made more effective. Security would be tightened at entry and exit points of the capital and special checking has been ordered.

“It is also decided that different police teams will keep a close watch on suspects and additional forces would be deployed at public places. All police stations have been directed to prepare a duty roster and appoint teams to patrol different sectors and rural areas of Islamabad,” the SSP said.

He directed all subdivisional police officers and in-charges of police stations for effective patrolling in their respective areas.

Meanwhile, the police arranged ceremonies in connection with Christmas and distributed gifts among the Christian officials and employees, a police public relations officer said.

He said Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Mohammad Sarfraz Virk and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Qaiser Niaz Gillani attended the ceremonies organised at traffic police headquarters and police lines headquarters.

Mock exercise at naval headquarters

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) conducted a joint mock exercise at the naval headquarters to deal with any emergency situation and to ensure safety of life and property of the citizens.

Officials from the CTD and the Bomb Disposal Squad of Islamabad police participated in the mock exercise under the supervision of SP CTD Hamza Hamayoun.

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2023