The Punjab Home Department has announced detailed security guidelines ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, directing authorities across the province to implement strict measures to maintain law and order.
In a statement issued on Friday, the department instructed officials to give top priority to the security of mosques, imambargahs, madaris and Ramadan bazaars. Additional police personnel will be deployed at religious places, while security will be further tightened during Sehri, Iftar, Taraweeh and Friday prayers.
Under the Respect of Ramadan Ordinance 1981, eating and drinking at public places during fasting hours will remain prohibited. Authorities have been ordered to ensure strict enforcement of the law throughout the province.
The department has directed law enforcement agencies to strengthen checking at entry and exit points of cities, including the use of biometric systems where necessary. Patrols, snap-checking and search operations around places of worship will be intensified. Installation of CCTV cameras, walk-through gates and searchlights has been ordered before the start of Ramadan.
Special three-layer security arrangements, including barriers and razor wire, will be placed at sensitive locations during Friday and Taraweeh prayers. Entry and exit points of worship places will be limited and secured to prevent any untoward incidents.
Senior police officers have been instructed to personally oversee security arrangements. District and divisional intelligence committee meetings are to be held immediately, while compliance monitoring committees will review implementation of the security plan across Punjab.
Strict monitoring of banned outfits and individuals listed under the Fourth Schedule has also been ordered. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies have been directed to maintain close coordination to respond quickly to any threat.
The administration has been told to take firm action against hoarders and profiteers during Ramadan. Action will also be taken against misuse of loudspeakers under the Punjab Sound Systems Act, while display of weapons remains strictly banned across the province.
Authorities will monitor social media to curb the spread of hate speech and provocative content. Action will also be taken against wall chalking and objectionable posters under relevant laws.
Rescue 1122, fire brigades, bomb disposal squads, ambulances and medical staff will remain on high alert throughout the month. District control rooms will be set up in deputy commissioners’ offices and linked with the central control room of the Home Department.
The Punjab government has vowed to utilize all available resources to ensure that Ramadan is observed in a peaceful, secure and well-organized environment across the province.
