Punjab, Peshawar ramp up security for Chand Raat and Eid

Punjab and Peshawar police have rolled out extensive security plans for Chand Raat, Jumuat-ul-Wida and Eidul Fitr, with tens of thousands of officers being deployed across markets, mosques, Eid gatherings and other sensitive locations amid heightened threat concerns.

Punjab ramps up province-wide deployment

Punjab Inspector General Abdul Karim said security has been placed on high alert across Lahore and the rest of the province for Chand Raat and Eidul Fitr. According to the Punjab Police spokesperson, more than 17,000 officers and personnel, including women police officers, have been deployed at markets and key public places for Chand Raat security. In Lahore alone, 5,000 officers are performing security duties for Chand Raat, while 10,000 will be deployed in the city for Eid. Province-wide, more than 47,000 officers and personnel will be assigned to secure over 29,000 Eid congregations.

The IG Punjab directed police, with the support of Special Branch, the Counter-Terrorism Department and other security agencies, to keep a close watch on terrorists, miscreants and suspicious individuals. He also ordered heightened vigilance at interprovincial border points, riverine police posts, city entry and exit routes, police checkpoints, foreign embassies, sensitive installations and places of worship. The spokesperson said security has already been increased at more than 32,500 mosques, imambargahs and worship places across Punjab, where over 83,000 police personnel and community volunteers have been deployed. Dolphin Squad, PRU and Elite teams have been instructed to intensify patrolling around religious sites, sensitive areas and busy markets, while CCTV monitoring has also been ordered.

Peshawar activates special Eid plan

In Peshawar, police said a comprehensive security plan has been finalised for Chand Raat and Eidul Fitr, with more than 5,000 officers and personnel assigned to duties across the city. According to the police spokesperson, bomb disposal unit teams will conduct sweeping of Eidgahs and mosques before prayers, while women police officers, the Ababeel Squad and City Patrolling Force will also be deployed.

Security has been placed on high alert at the city’s entry and exit points as well as other sensitive places. Police said plainclothes personnel have also been assigned to monitor suspicious individuals. In crowded markets, mounted units, sniffer dogs and drone surveillance are being used, while citywide patrolling has been increased and armoured vehicles and security squads remain on alert. Capital City Police Officer Dr Mian Saeed Ahmed directed divisional SPs to ensure full implementation of the security plan.

Officials in both Punjab and Peshawar urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement to help ensure peaceful observance of the final Friday of Ramazan and the Eid holidays.