LAHORE: The Punjab government has ordered comprehensive, province-wide security and administrative arrangements for Ramazan-ul-Mubarak 1447 A.H., directing police, intelligence agencies and the civil administration to implement strict preventive measures to ensure peaceful and incident-free observance of the holy month, expected to commence on February 18 or 19, subject to the sighting of the moon.
In a detailed orders issued by the Home Department, a copy of which is available with The News, the provincial authorities conveyed directives to the provincial police officer, additional inspectors general, the Capital City Police Officer Lahore, all divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and district police officers, placing overall responsibility for security during Ramazan on the police. The orders also involved the Special Branch, Counter Terrorism Department and other intelligence and emergency response agencies.
The Home Department reiterated strict enforcement of the Ehtram-e-Ramazan Ordinance, 1981, which prohibits eating and serving food at public places during fasting hours, directing that the law be implemented in letter and spirit throughout the province. It also warned that hoarders and black marketeers could exploit increased demand for essential commodities during Ramazan and instructed authorities to fully enforce existing mechanisms to prevent artificial price hikes and take action against violators.
To address security concerns, particularly during Sehr, Iftar, Taraweeh and Friday prayers, the government ordered enhanced protection for all mosques, madaris and imambargahs, with special focus on Category ‘A’ places of worship. Security personnel are to be deployed by name in coordination with local committees, while inner and outer cordons are to be established in cities. Entry and exit points across Punjab are to be explicitly guarded, with strict checking of vehicles and individuals and the use of biometric machines where possible.
The directives call for smart and rational deployment of police through comprehensive security plans, supported by regular patrolling and naka bandis around worship places. Extensive search operations are to be conducted in coordination with intelligence agencies, while rear and side areas of religious premises are to be secured using iron grills, razor wire and other means. Single entry and exit points, along with designated emergency exits, are to be ensured during congregations.
The plan mandates three-tier security arrangements using qanaats, razor wire and barriers during Juma prayers, Taraweeh and other large gatherings. Installation of CCTV cameras with proper recording and backup arrangements, walk-through gates at main entry points and search lights in and around places of worship has been ordered, along with regular inspections by senior police officers to ensure compliance.
Authorities have been directed to maintain a close watch on the distribution of hate material, including booklets and pamphlets, and to monitor social media platforms. Objectionable wall-posters, wall-chalking and slogans are to be removed, with action taken under the Punjab Prohibition of Expressing Matters on Walls Act, 1995. The activities of individuals linked to proscribed organisations and those listed under the Fourth Schedule are to be closely monitored, while a complete ban on the carrying or display of arms and strict enforcement of the Punjab Sound Systems (Regulation) Act, 2015, has been ordered.
The notification stresses close liaison between intelligence agencies and law enforcement bodies, directing the Special Branch to collect and disseminate timely and reliable intelligence to avert any untoward situation. Police personnel deployed at vantage points and cordons are to receive proper briefings, with a special focus on identifying and responding to suspicious behaviour.
Private security guards, volunteers and razakars may be deployed at sensitive places of worship in consultation with local administrations, subject to mandatory vetting by the Special Branch. Female volunteers are to be deployed at sensitive locations where required, while all volunteers and private guards are to undergo training at district police lines in weapon handling, emergency response and proper physical and body search procedures using metal detectors.
The Home Department also highlighted the need for maintaining vigilance at Iftar time, noting that security arrangements tend to weaken during this period. It suggested provision of special Iftari packages, in accordance with applicable rules, for law enforcement personnel deployed on duty to ensure alertness until the complete dispersal of congregations.
To strengthen preparedness, the availability of Rescue 1122, fire brigade services, bomb disposal squads, ambulances and on-duty medical staff has been ordered. Meetings of divisional and district intelligence committees are to be convened immediately to assess threat perceptions, while compliance-checking committees at police circle and town levels, including representatives of the civil administration, are to be constituted and notified.
The orders have been circulated to federal ministries, provincial departments including health, auqaf, local government, information and emergency services, as well as intelligence agencies such as the Intelligence Bureau, Inter-Services Intelligence, Military Intelligence and the Punjab Civil Defence Resilience Corps.
The Home Department emphasised that while the guidelines are meant to facilitate formulation of security plans, all concerned authorities must assess local circumstances and utilise all available resources to ensure the peaceful and uninterrupted observance of Ramazan across Punjab.
