BAHAWALPUR, Oct 22: Special security steps have been taken by the police as the city has been declared a sensitive area on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.

Police high-ups said here on Sunday that every important place would be guarded by uniformed and plainclothesmen.

Men with metal detectors would be deployed at the six gates to the Eidgah, the venue of main Eid congregation in the city, they added.

More than 1,500 policemen would be deployed at 78 places, including mosques, imambargahs, playgrounds, parks and open spaces where Eid prayers would be said and in the city. They include staff of all local police stations besides four reserves of Police Lines and two platoons of Elite Force would be deputed for security measures on Eid day in the city.

Women police have also been deployed at all bazaars.

New police pickets have been set up at the entrance points to the city - bridge on the Sutlej river on Multan Road, Baghdad Road on Hasilpur Road and Shashmahi Canal on Yazman Road.