The Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Police have ordered to tighten security across the province due to the worsening national security situation.
The directive came from the Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who instructed departments to strengthen arrangements across the province.
A high-level meeting chaired by Abdul Kareem, Inspector General of Punjab Police, reviewed the law and order situation and discussed new precautions.
Focus on sensitive sites and foreign nationals
Police officials said security would be increased at mosques, imambargahs, shrines, markets and other sensitive locations.
Personnel deployed at inter-provincial border checkpoints and key installations have been told to remain on high alert.
The Inspector General stressed the need to improve protection for Chinese nationals, Sikh pilgrims and other foreign visitors.
Pakistan has previously faced attacks targeting foreign workers and religious minorities, prompting periodic security reviews.
Officers were also directed to step up monitoring at city entry and exit points. Suspicious vehicles, rickshaws and cargo will be checked more closely, officials said.
Enforcement measures
During the meeting, senior officers from the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Special Branch and other intelligence agencies were instructed to ensure close coordination.
The police chief also ordered strict enforcement of restrictions imposed under Section 144, a legal provision that allows local authorities to ban public gatherings and take preventive steps during security threats.
Officials said the decision was taken in light of recent incidents, including reported drone-based militant activity.
Supervisory officers were told to regularly brief personnel deployed at checkpoints and sensitive sites about the prevailing threat environment.
Search operations
Police said intelligence-based search and combing operations would be expanded.
Authorities were also instructed to ensure proper identification and verification of travellers and hotel guests arriving from other cities.
Special emphasis was placed on women’s safety in bazaars and markets, with additional deployment of female police officers.
The meeting was attended by senior police officials from across the province, including representatives from Lahore and South Punjab, with some joining via video link.
Officials did not specify how long the heightened security measures would remain in place, but said monitoring would continue in line with developments.
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