Home Dept Issues Security Guidelines For Independence Day Celebrations

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Aug, 2024) The Home department Punjab has issued some important security guidelines for the arrangements of Independence Day celebrations.

According to the handout issued by the Home Department here on Monday, foolproof security arrangements are required all over the province to ensure safe conduct of the occasion. All commissioners and DCs are directed to discuss the matter in DICs meetings and review security arrangements for all events scheduled till 14th August, 2024.

The department has directed administration to ensure special security measures for the protection of important buildings, sensitive & strategic installations and national heritage sites etc. It is directed that sensitive/vulnerable buildings be categorized and additional security personnel may be deployed where necessary. Strict checking/scanning of all the vehicles at provincial/district entry & exit points was directed. It is also directed that VVIPs movement while attending ceremonies be fully coordinated and foolproof security arrangements be ensured. Security arrangements at busy markets, shopping malls, restaurants, parks and other such places must be strengthened. The police is directed to establish pickets at appropriate places and ensure frequent snap checking as per existing SOPs. It is directed that brandishing of weapons and aerial firing strictly be checked and actions be initiated against the violators as per law. The force deployed at various places/buildings be fully briefed and effectively supervised. Administration is directed to ensure Zero Tolerance against one wheeling and section 99-A of Motor Vehicle Ordinance, 1965 be strictly enforced.

The Home department has also constituted special task force for the major and smaller cities to stop/check negative and suicidal driving tendencies including one-wheeling amongst the youth. The chief traffic officer will be heading the task force in the major cities and DSP traffic in the small cities. It is also directed that a close liaison between LEAs and Intelligence Agencies be maintained. Rescue-1122, Bomb Disposal Squads and Civil Defence should be alert and in a state of readiness to deal with any emergency.

The Home department has also directed the administration and police to keep a vigilant eye to control street crimes and activities of persons placed on 4th schedule. They are asked to conduct intelligence based and combing operations in areas adjacent to venues. All security related equipment and technical gadgetry must be fully utilised at all venues. Emergency evacuation, medical and contingency plan dovetailed with security plan be chalked out by district administration and police in coordination with other stakeholders. Traffic police is directed to design special traffic plan for big cities as per previous practice. Special efforts be made to plan continuous flow of traffic on the alternative routes.

The Health department is also directed to ensure readiness of all hospitals in Punjab to deal with any emergency situation. "Designated hospitals should be on standby with complete state of preparedness including specialists. They are to ensure availability of requisite staff, medicine and all other essentials as deemed appropriate," the department said.