LAHORE: The Punjab police department has deployed 57,000 police personnel for the security of 25,672 mosques, Imambarghas and prayer congregations on Eidul Azha.

The security arrangements for Eid were finalised in a meeting held in this connection at the Central Police Office here on Monday.

Presided over by Punjab Inspector General of Police Inam Ghani, the meeting was also attended by other senior police officers concerned.

Addressing the meeting, the IGP said foolproof security was being provided to the Chinese experts working on CPEC projects, investors coming to Pakistan for business activities and ordinary citizens of the friendly country on a priority basis.

IGP orders fresh security audit for Chinese citizens, CPEC installations

He said all the supervisory officers should review the security arrangements of CPEC projects or other installations in their districts.

Security audit of all CPEC, non-CPEC and private projects involving Chinese citizens across the province should be ensured, he said.

The IGP said all private security companies that provided guards or other staff to the Chinese citizens should also be subjected to a fresh security audit.

He directed the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), police’s special branch and local police to conduct search, sweep and combing operations in the vicinity of Chinese nationals’ residences, offices, business centres and projects.

Mr Ghani further said all available resources should be utilised for the security of Eid gatherings at mosques, Imambargahs and open spaces across the province, while special attention should be paid to the security of cattle markets and traffic management.

He said that in view of the arrival of Muharram, consultations should be initiated with the peace committees and stakeholders for comprehensive security arrangements so that better security could be ensured through effective coordination.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2021