Punjab Home Department Issues Security Guidelines for Independence Day Celebrations

Lahore:The Punjab Home Department has issued comprehensive security guidelines for the Independence Day celebrations. In a directive sent to district administrations, police, and relevant departments across Punjab, stringent security measures have been outlined to ensure a safe and secure celebration.

The guidelines emphasize the importance of rigorous security checks at all provincial and district entry and exit points. Additional personnel are to be deployed at key buildings, offices, and sensitive locations. The Home Department has instructed that foolproof security arrangements be made before the events, including technical sweeps of venues by the Special Branch.

Strict actions are mandated against the display of weapons and aerial firing. A zero-tolerance policy is to be adopted for wheelies and rash driving, with a dedicated task force established across the province to address these issues. In major cities, Chief Traffic Officers and in smaller cities, DSP Traffic Officers will lead these task forces.

The guidelines also require a special briefing for security staff to ensure their presence until the end of the events and the peaceful departure of attendees. Special security arrangements are advised for markets, parks, and shopping malls, with effective barricading at important locations according to police SOPs.

Rescue 1122, Bomb Disposal Squad, and Civil Defense teams are to remain on high alert, and hospitals must ensure the availability of specialist doctors and essential medicines at all times. The department has also directed increased surveillance of individuals on the Fourth Schedule and criminal elements, along with intelligence-based and combing operations to improve security.

Finally, the Home Department has advised the creation of a special traffic plan to ensure smooth traffic flow in major cities and effective public awareness campaigns for traffic diversion plans.