The plan calls for strict city controls, biometric checks, increased patrols and CCTV, passage gates and floodlights.
Punjab Police. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
The Punjab Home Department on Friday issued detailed security guidelines for the upcoming month of Ramadan, prioritizing the protection of mosques, religious places and Ramadan markets across the province.
As per the directives, authorities have been directed to take strict action against hoarders and profiteers, regulate the use of loudspeakers under the Punjab Sound Systems Act, enforce the ban on public display of arms and closely monitor social media to curb hate speech and provocative content.
Offensive signs and posters with chalk on walls will be removed under the Punjab Chalk on Walls Act. Public consumption of food and drink during fasting hours will continue to be prohibited in accordance with the Observance of Ramadan Ordinance of 1981.
According to the guidelines, security will be beefed up at mosques, madrassas, imambargahs and Ramadan markets, and additional staff will be deployed at places of worship. Security measures will be intensified during Sehri, Iftar, Taraweeh and Friday prayers.
The plan calls for strict controls at entry and exit points into the city, the deployment of biometric systems, increased patrols around religious sites and expanded search operations. Before the start of Ramadan, CCTV cameras, entry gates and reflectors will be installed.
Three-tier security measures, including barriers and barbed wire, will be installed at key locations during Friday and Taraweeh prayers, with controlled and safe entry and exit routes.
Special Iftar arrangements will be made for security personnel on duty, while the deployment of volunteers and private security guards will be coordinated with local administrations.
The department has also ordered strict monitoring of banned organizations and individuals included in the Fourth Schedule, with close coordination between law enforcement agencies and intelligence services.
Senior police officials from across Punjab have been directed to personally supervise security measures. District and divisional intelligence committees have been directed to meet immediately, while compliance monitoring committees will submit regular reports on the implementation of security plans.
The guidelines further emphasize engagement with leaders of all religious communities, completion of mapping and geotagging of mosques in all districts, and formation of mosque management committees comprising local notables and residents under the supervision of deputy commissioners.
Emergency services including Rescue 1122, firefighters, bomb disposal teams, ambulances and medical staff will remain fully operational. The offices of deputy commissioners will establish district control rooms linked to the central control room of the Home Department to ensure coordinated implementation of the security plan.
The Punjab Home Department said all available resources would be utilized to ensure a peaceful and safe Ramadan across the province.
