Punjab govt issues security directives for Good Friday and Easter celebrations

LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has issued comprehensive security directives ahead of Good Friday and Easter to ensure the safety of the Christian community during the religious festivities.

According to the official statement, the department has instructed district administrations across the province to focus security efforts on churches, Christian residential areas, and public spaces, including commercial centres, amusement parks, shopping malls, and cinema halls.

Authorities have been directed to install high-resolution CCTV cameras in churches and nearby residential neighbourhoods. Additionally, control rooms established in each district are to be connected with the central control room of the Home Department for better coordination and surveillance.

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The directive also calls for the mandatory use of hotel management software (Hotel Eye) in all hotels and guest houses to enhance monitoring and record-keeping during the festive period.

To promote interfaith harmony and prevent any untoward incidents, the Home Department has emphasised the organisation of interfaith harmony and peace committee meetings at the local level. It further instructed law enforcement agencies to ensure strict and indiscriminate checking at all church entry points.

Walk-through gates and metal detectors are to be deployed at sensitive locations, ensuring additional layers of security for worshippers and visitors.

The government reiterated its commitment to providing a safe environment for religious minorities to observe their festivals with peace and dignity.

Nine years ago in Lahore, Taliban splinter group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar targetted Christians celebrating Easter killing more than 70 people in the park.