LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday directed all district administrations and police to ensure foolproof security arrangements across the province on Christmas.

“Relevant departments should take all necessary measures to maintain cleanliness around churches,” she said and directed the authorities concerned to enhance deployment of police and other security personnel in and around churches in all major cities of the province.

She ordered proper traffic management during Christmas celebrations.

The CM also ordered provision of special discounts to the Christian community in the markets.

Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari, at a ceremony held in connection with Christmas said the Punjab government had taken numerous steps for religious minorities, including the introduction of minority cards, which would be a significant milestone. Additionally, she said the Christmas grant has been increased.

“This event is not only for the Christian community but also for the Punjab government. Maryam Nawaz personally visited Maryamabad on Easter and participated in Baisakhi celebrations with the Sikh community,” Ms Bokhari said, adding that the CM also celebrated Diwali with the Hindu community.

“These actions prove that there is no religious discrimination in the Punjab government,” the minister said.

“The Christian community serves us throughout the year, and now it is our turn to serve them. Our government has launched several initiatives for the welfare of minorities to improve their economic, social, and educational conditions,” she said.

Ms Bokhari said the government had introduced educational programmes and scholarships for the children belonging to the Christian community to help them have a better future.

Security plan: The Punjab police have finalised a security plan for Christmas and Quaid-i-Azam Day, deploying over 30,000 officers and personnel to ensure the safety of more than 2,900 churches across the province.

In Lahore, over 5,000 police personnel will be on duty at more than 600 Christian places of worship, while over 1,000 officers will be assigned to safeguard events commemorating Quaid-i-Azam Day.

A spokesperson for the Punjab police stated that female officials will also be deployed to manage security checks for women attending these events.

Churches have been categorised into A, B, and C categories based on their sensitivity. Category A includes 142 churches, Category B covers 291, and more than 2,500 churches fall under Category C.

Regional and district police officers have been directed to maintain high alert levels during the celebrations, with additional forces deployed at sensitive locations. Supervisory officers have been instructed to coordinate with church administrations to ensure robust security arrangements.

The events will be monitored continuously using Safe Cities Authority cameras, with commandos and snipers stationed at sensitive churches and key locations.

Inspector General of Punjab Police Dr Usman Anwar emphasised the importance of effective patrolling by the Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit and Elite Police teams in areas surrounding churches and Christian neighborhoods.

Counter-Terrorism Department and Special Branch teams, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, have been tasked with preventing any potential terrorist or anti-social activities.

Additionally, he called for foolproof security at parks, recreational spots, foreign embassies, and other sensitive installations. He urged promoting interfaith harmony during Christmas in collaboration with leaders of various faiths.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2024