A full-fledged security plan has been approved by the Punjab government for the observance of Youm-e-Ali on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of Ramzan all over the province.
The plan was settled under the orders of the chief minister Maryam Nawaz to ensure peaceful conduct of the Azadari processions and gatherings.
According to the Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, Punjab will have about 30,000 police officers for security duties, including almost 8,000 for security in Lahore alone.
Across the province of Punjab, authorities anticipate 217 processions and 994 majalis would be held over the course of the three days of observance.
To tighten security checks, around 3000 metal detectors and 297 walk through gates will be set up at entry points of major gatherings.
Safe City cameras will also be installed to keep tabs on the processions and majalis for effective surveillance.
Officials said there are 32 Category-A processions, considered to be the largest and sensitive, besides 67 major majalis in the province.
Special arrangements have also been made for women participants including women police officers who have been deployed to look after their security.
In addition, commandos in plain clothes will accompany processions and snipers will be posted at rooftops along procession routes in order to boost security measures.
Bukhari gave these details while attending a press conference in Lahore.
The press conference also revealed that relief is being provided to low-income segments during the month of Ramzan. Prices of food items have been kept under control.
Through the Nigehban Card, deserving individuals are being given 10,000 rupees each. An amount of 2.25 million rupees has already been received by deserving individuals through the card.
The Minority Card has also been included in the Ramzan Nigehban Card. 17,000 grocery stores have been linked with the Nigehban Card.
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