LAHORE (MNN); Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to further tighten security arrangements across the province in view of the prevailing national security situation.
A high-level meeting chaired by Inspector General of Punjab Police Abdul Kareem reviewed law and order measures. The IG ordered enhanced security in response to recent terrorism incidents allegedly originating from a neighbouring country.
He emphasized strengthening protection for Chinese nationals, Sikh pilgrims, and other foreign tourists. Additional security measures were ordered at mosques, imambargahs, shrines, sensitive installations, and markets. Personnel deployed at inter-provincial border checkpoints, religious sites, and other critical locations were instructed to remain on high alert.
IG Abdul Kareem directed district administrations, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Special Branch, and intelligence agencies to ensure close coordination and effective enforcement of security protocols. Strict implementation of restrictions imposed under Section 144 was also ordered, particularly in light of recent drone-based terrorist activities.
Supervisory officers were instructed to regularly brief security staff posted at checkpoints and sensitive areas about the current threat environment.
Special focus was placed on ensuring women’s safety in bazaars and markets through the deployment of female police personnel. Authorities were also directed to closely monitor suspicious vehicles, rickshaws, and cargo at city entry and exit points, along with enhanced surveillance at sensitive locations.
The IG further ordered acceleration of intelligence-based search, sweep, and combing operations, as well as strict verification of travellers and hotel guests arriving from other cities.
The meeting was attended by senior police officials, including the Additional IG Operations, Additional IG Special Branch, DIG Traffic, AIG Operations, and AIG Development. Additional IG CTD, CCPO Lahore, Additional IG South Punjab, Additional IG CCD, along with RPOs, CPOs, and DPOs, joined via video link.
