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Arab News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan's Punjab deploys over 43,000 police personnel for security on Eid Al-Adha
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Punjab has deployed over 43,000 police officers and personnel across the province for the Eid Al-Adha holidays, state-run media reported, with police placing the province on high alert amid the prevalent security situation in the country. As per a report in the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) on Friday, the police personnel have been deployed to secure 28,074 mosques and 890 open-air Eid prayer venues. Pakistan has seen a surge in militant violence in recent months. Scores of citizens have been killed in the past in militant attacks that have targeted mosques and tourist destinations on public holidays. 'According to the Punjab Police spokesperson, a comprehensive security strategy has been formulated to ensure the safety of mosques, Imambargahs, Eid congregations, and the general public,' APP said on Friday. The report said 445 Quick Response Force (QRF) teams will be stationed to enhance security readiness while 11,912 metal detectors, 225 walk-through gates and 10,466 CCTV cameras will be utilized during Eid prayers. In Punjab's provincial capital Lahore, over 9,000 personnel will be assigned to secure more than 5,000 Eid gatherings, the spokesperson confirmed. 'Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has ordered heightened security measures for Eid-ul-Adha, citing the current national security situation,' the report said. Additional police will be deployed at parks and recreational spots during the Eid holidays to ensure public safety. The Punjab Police chief also issued a strict warning against one-wheeling, aerial firing, kite flying and rowdy behavior, the report said, stating such acts will not be tolerated. He stressed all mosques, Imambargahs and Eid grounds must be thoroughly checked and cleared before Eid prayers. High-security mosques and Imambargahs (in category A) will have snipers posted on rooftops while plainclothes commandos will be deployed inside Eid congregations, the report said. 'The IG [inspector-general] also directed the Additional IG Traffic to personally oversee the traffic management plan across Punjab, ensuring smooth flow of traffic during Eid,' APP said. It said police have been ordered to take preventive measures to combat street crimes and highway robberies, while extra personnel will be posted at key locations to maintain traffic flow during the holidays. 'Special instructions have been issued to ensure tourist safety in Murree and other tourist destinations,' it said. 'Authorities are required to enforce SOPs for vehicle entry and exit in Murree, the IG added.'
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Security beefed up across Pune city amid tensions on India-Pakistan border
In the wake of an attempted airstrike by Pakistan, a nationwide alert has been issued in India and heightened security measures have been implemented across major cities. Pune has responded with elevated vigilance focusing in particular on religious sites with high footfalls such as the iconic Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati a precautionary measure, the entire area around the temple has been cordoned off with a heavy police presence. 'Security personnel are closely monitoring the movement of every individual entering and exiting the temple premises. Anti-riot squads have been deployed, and the Quick Response Force (QRF) has taken position outside the temple to prevent any untoward incidents,' said a senior police official on condition of anonymity. Temple authorities and security personnel are keeping a check on the flow of devotees by ensuring that visitors do not remain inside the temple for extended periods of time. Mahesh Suryavanshi, treasurer of the Dagdusheth Ganpati Mandal, said, 'Devotees are allowed quick darshan (viewing) and are being asked to exit the premises promptly. Vehicle checks have been intensified around the temple area, and patrolling has increased throughout the city.' Amid escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, Pune like the rest of India has been placed on high alert. Security agencies are treating religious sites, including the Dagdusheth Temple, as sensitive locations that could be targeted. Past threats to blow up the temple have only added to the concerns, prompting swift action from the police and military. Authorities have assured the public that all possible steps are being taken to neutralise any threat. The swift action taken by the Indian defence forces in thwarting Pakistan's plan to target the Golden Temple underscores the country's preparedness. Similar vigilance is now being mirrored in Pune, ensuring that places of worship such as the Dagdusheth Temple remain safe amid the conflict. Since the night of May 8, checkpoints have been established across the city, especially in vulnerable zones. In addition to the regular police force, the security setup now includes units from the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), riot control teams, and bomb detection and disposal squads. Historic monuments like the Shaniwar Wada, too, have seen a surge in security measures and military units have been partially deployed to support local law enforcement in ensuring public safety. Although there has been some easing of security measures on the morning of May 9, several areas in Pune remain on high alert. The Dagdusheth Temple continues to be a focal point of security due to its cultural and religious significance. Priya Deshmukh, a local devotee said, 'I visit Dagdusheth Bappa every Thursday, and today, I saw commandos with rifles. It's a bit unsettling, but I understand it's for our safety. I am just praying for peace.' While Ramu Meshram, a shopkeeper near the temple, said, 'Business is slow because people are scared, but we support the police. They are working day and night to protect us. We just hope things return to normal soon.' Meanwhile, the government has appealed to the public not to panic. Citizens have been advised not to spread or believe in rumours. Official advisories have been issued urging people to follow instructions issued only by the administration or verified government sources.
