LAHORE: The Punjab Police has formulated security arrangements of religious places of the province during Ramazan and a security plan has been finalised for all 36,433 mosques, 2,179 imambargahs, 444 minority places of worship across the province.

Inspector General of Punjab Police Dr Usman Anwar said more than 74,000 police officers, officials and community volunteers would be deployed for the security of religious places while 200 walkthrough gates and more than 12,000 metal detectors would be used for sensitive places.

He said that search operations and patrolling had been increased around mosques, imambargahs and places of worship. During Sehr and Iftar timings, Dolphin Squad, PRU, Elite teams would carry out patrolling.

Dr Anwar said all activities would be continuously monitored with the help of the Safe City cameras.

He said that with the cooperation of the citizens, an atmosphere of peace would be ensured during Ramazan and the evil elements would be held accountable.

The IGP urged the religious scholars and local leaders to promote inter-faith harmony and peace.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2024