Lahore: Punjab police have finalised a province-wide security plan for Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Day, deploying more than 30,000 officers to protect churches, public events and sensitive installations, according to Police officials.
The heightened measures come as Pakistan marks Christmas on December 25 alongside the birth anniversary of the country’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, with authorities placing security forces on high alert across Punjab, including the provincial capital Lahore.
Province-wide deployment
Across Punjab, police will guard 3,583 churches, a police spokesperson said. More than 30,000 officers and personnel will be assigned to security duties, while over 1,000 officers will be deployed specifically for Quaid-e-Azam Day events.
In Lahore alone, police will secure more than 600 Christian places of worship, with over 5,000 officers posted at churches and surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, authorities have categorized churches based on threat assessments. Of the total, 164 churches fall under Category A, 360 under Category B and 3,059 under Category C, according to police.
Technology-driven monitoring
To strengthen surveillance, police will use 2,832 closed-circuit television cameras to monitor sensitive churches. In addition, 4,546 metal detectors will be deployed for screening worshippers entering church premises.
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority will provide real-time monitoring of Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Day events through its camera network, Inspector General of Police Usman Anwar said.
High alert and special forces
Police have placed security on high alert for both occasions, with additional personnel assigned to sensitive churches and key locations. Commandos and snipers will be deployed at high-risk sites, Anwar said.
Specialized units, including the Dolphin Squad, PERU, and Elite Police, will conduct intensified patrolling around churches and Christian neighbourhoods. At the same time, the Counter Terrorism Department and Special Branch teams will work alongside other law enforcement agencies to counter potential threats.
Preventive measures and coordination
Ahead of Christmas, police have launched flag marches, search operations and sweep activities in and around churches and Christian localities, officials said.
Supervisory officers have been directed to remain in close contact with church administrations to ensure coordinated security arrangements. Regional and district police chiefs, as well as traffic officers, have been instructed to personally oversee security and traffic management.
Police will also deploy female officers to conduct security checks of women, while extending protection to parks, recreational areas, foreign missions and other sensitive installations during the holidays.
“Police must remain extremely vigilant and keep a close watch on hostile elements and suspicious individuals,” Anwar said, emphasising zero tolerance for security lapses during the festive period.
Read more: Punjab govt issues SOPs for motorcyclists ahead of Basant Festival
