LAHORE: Punjab police will deploy 75,000 personnel for the protection of 36,500 mosques, 2,179 imambargahs, and 444 minority places of worship across the province for the security of worshippers during Ramazan.

A spokesperson for the police said that 75,000 police officers, officials and community volunteers will be on duty to safeguard these religious sites.

Also, 200 walk-through gates and 12,000 metal detectors will be used for checking at sensitive mosques and imambargahs.

Search and sweep operations are underway around such sites. Dolphin squads, PRU and elite teams will conduct effective patrols during sehr, aftar, and Taraweeh. All activities will be continuously monitored using Safe City Authority cameras.

Field officers have been directed to review security arrangements and maintain communication with mosque administrators and peace committee members.

Mosques in Lahore have been categorized into security levels A+, A, B, and C, with A+ category mosques receiving six personnel, including one officer, for security. Additionally, 14,781 volunteers will assist in checking worshippers at these sites.

Strict legal action will be taken against any violations of the Ehtram-i-Ramazan Act. Security will also be ensured at 16 sugar points across the city, with 192 officers and personnel deployed for their protection.

The police urged religious scholars and mosque administrations to cooperate to implement government SOPs and requested citizens to cooperate with police personnel during security checks to enhance security measures.

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2025