Punjab Chief Minister Directs Heightened Security Measures Across Province
In response to the current national security landscape, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Chief Minister of Punjab, has issued directives to authorities to significantly bolster security arrangements throughout the province. This move comes as part of a proactive strategy to address emerging threats and ensure public safety.
High-Level Meeting Reviews Security Protocols
A crucial high-level meeting, presided over by Abdul Kareem, the Inspector General of Punjab Police, was convened to assess and enhance existing law and order measures. The IG emphasized the need for reinforced security in light of recent terrorism incidents linked to activities from a neighboring country, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Key security priorities highlighted during the meeting include:
- Enhanced protection for Chinese nationals, Sikh pilgrims, and other foreign tourists visiting the province.
- Additional security measures at mosques, imambargahs, shrines, sensitive installations, and bustling markets.
- Heightened alertness for personnel stationed at inter-provincial border checkpoints, religious sites, and other critical locations.
Comprehensive Security Directives Issued
IG Abdul Kareem instructed various agencies, including district administrations, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Special Branch, and intelligence units, to ensure seamless coordination and effective implementation of security protocols. He mandated strict enforcement of government restrictions under Section 144, particularly in response to recent drone-based terrorist activities.
Supervisory officers were directed to conduct regular briefings for security staff at checkpoints and sensitive sites, keeping them informed about the evolving threat environment. Special attention was given to women's safety in public spaces, with orders for increased deployment of lady police personnel in bazaars and markets.
Surveillance and Operational Enhancements
The IG further ordered intensified monitoring of suspicious vehicles, rickshaws, and cargo at city entry and exit points, alongside bolstered surveillance at sensitive locations. He called for accelerated intelligence-based search, sweep, and combing operations, as well as rigorous identification and verification processes for travelers and hotel guests arriving from other cities.
The meeting saw participation from senior police officials, including the Additional IG Operations, Additional IG Special Branch, DIG Traffic, AIG Operations, and AIG Development. Key figures such as the Additional IG CTD, CCPO Lahore, Additional IG South Punjab, Additional IG CCD, along with RPOs, CPOs, and DPOs, joined via video link, ensuring broad-based coordination.
In a related development, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a Rs70,000 stipend for agriculture interns, highlighting ongoing efforts to support provincial initiatives alongside security measures.
