LAHORE – The Punjab Home Department has issued comprehensive security directives for Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH), which will be observed on August 26, corresponding to 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal, across the province.
The provincial government will observe Eid Milad-un-Nabi with religious devotion and respect, while ensuring elaborate security arrangements for processions, Milad gatherings and Quran recitation ceremonies.
The Home Department directed authorities to ensure that security arrangements for Eid Milad-un-Nabi are no less stringent than those implemented during Muharram. Police personnel will be deployed at all authorised processions and gatherings, while strict action will be taken against illegal loudspeaker use, wall chalking, provocative speeches, aerial firing and the display of weapons.
All relevant departments and personnel have been instructed to remain on high alert. Walk-through gates and metal detectors will be installed at the entrances and exits of major gatherings, while adjoining streets along procession and gathering routes will be cordoned off. Female police officers will be deployed to provide security to women participants.
Authorities have also been directed to remove construction debris from around procession and gathering venues. Markets and shops along procession routes will remain closed after thorough security checks. Snipers will be deployed at sensitive points, while all processions will be mapped and police patrolling intensified.
Emergency exits at major processions and gatherings must be identified in advance. Station House Officers (SHOs) have been directed to obtain written security certificates from organisers confirming satisfactory arrangements.
The department also ordered video and audio coverage of major processions and gatherings and directed authorities to install additional CCTV cameras along sensitive routes and connect them with the Safe City monitoring system.
Volunteers may assist police with security duties, but they must first obtain clearance from the Special Branch. Food safety officers will inspect sabeel and langar arrangements at all venues.
Traffic management and alternative traffic plans will be implemented around major processions and gatherings, while parking facilities will be established at a safe distance from the venues. Coordination with WAPDA and distribution companies will be maintained to ensure uninterrupted electricity, adequate lighting and the availability of generators.
Special security arrangements will be made for prominent religious scholars and leaders. Plainclothes police officers will be deployed at sensitive locations, while police checkpoints will be established at key points in accordance with standard operating procedures.
The Bomb Disposal Squad and fire brigade have been ordered to remain fully operational and maintain contact with district wireless control rooms. Hospitals will remain on high alert, while Rescue 1122, field hospitals and mobile clinics will be deployed at designated locations. Adequate medical staff, medicines, ambulances, first-aid camps and drinking water will be ensured at major processions.
The Punjab Inspector General of Police will submit daily reports to the Home Department regarding intelligence-based operations, search operations and surprise inspections. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) will play a central role in intelligence-led operations.
Authorities have also been directed to strengthen security at all places of worship and pay special attention to the movement and protection of Chinese nationals and other foreign citizens.
Deputy commissioners, district police officers, commissioners and regional police officers have been instructed to personally supervise security arrangements. Meetings of divisional and district intelligence and peace committees, as well as tehsil mosque committees, will be held ahead of 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal.
The department called for stronger coordination with mosque imams, describing them as “partners in peace,” while directing authorities to closely monitor individuals listed under the Fourth Schedule and those associated with proscribed organisations.
The Home Department also called for the effective use of all media platforms to promote interfaith and sectarian harmony. District control rooms will remain operational around the clock during Eid Milad-un-Nabi and will remain linked with the Home Department’s central control room.
Effective cyber monitoring will be conducted to prevent extremist, sectarian or other content that could threaten public order. Citizens have been urged to report objectionable material on social media through the Home Department’s designated WhatsApp numbers: 0307-3087777 and 0307-3097777.
The “Suthra Punjab” sanitation teams have been directed to ensure comprehensive cleanliness arrangements, while ongoing development work along procession routes must be completed before the celebrations.
All deputy commissioners, CCPOs, CPOs and DPOs have also been instructed to submit comprehensive contingency plans to the Home Department for dealing with any emergency situation.
