Friday prayers: Punjab police on high alert, as border situation remains tense

LAHORE: Amid the tense situation along Pakistan’s western border, Punjab Police has been placed on high alert across the province on the second Friday of Ramadan, with enhanced security measures ordered to ensure peace and stability.

Inspector General (IG) Punjab Rao Abdul Kareem directed all regional and district police officers to maintain maximum vigilance in view of the country’s internal security environment. According to a spokesperson for Punjab Police, comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place across major cities and sensitive districts.

The IG instructed officers to keep a close watch on terrorists, miscreants and suspicious individuals, emphasizing that heightened surveillance is essential during the holy month. “Every soldier of Punjab Police stands shoulder to shoulder with our brave armed forces and security agencies to protect the country and the nation,” he stated.

Security has been further tightened at mosques and other places of worship for Friday prayers. Additional deployment has also been ordered at police check posts, sensitive installations, key government buildings, and foreign missions, including Chinese and other international facilities.

Specialised units such as the Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit (PRU), and Elite Force teams have been directed to intensify patrolling around important locations. Search, sweep, and combing operations are continuing across the province to maintain strict vigilance against extremist elements, including groups referred to by authorities as Fitna-ul-Kharij and Fitna-ul-Hindustan.

The IG Punjab also instructed district administrations, Civil Defence authorities, and Rescue 1122 to remain in constant coordination with security agencies to ensure a swift and organized response in case of any emergency.

Reassuring the public, the police chief said Punjab Police is fully prepared to respond to any situation, maintain law and order, and carry out relief activities if required. He urged citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading or believing fabricated rumors and unverified social media reports.

Officials reiterated that security across Punjab remains robust, and all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard the province during the ongoing national security situation.