Security guidelines for I-Day celebrations

LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has released detailed security guidelines ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.

A notification has been sent to district administrations, police, and relevant departments across Punjab, instructing them to enforce rigorous security checks at all provincial and district entry and exit points.

The department has mandated the deployment of additional personnel to secure key buildings, offices, and sensitive locations. Authorities are required to implement comprehensive security measures before the celebrations, including mandatory technical sweeps of venues by the Special Branch.

Strict measures have been advised against the display of weapons and aerial firing, with a zero-tolerance policy for one-wheeling and reckless driving. A task force has been established across Punjab to prevent these activities, with Chief Traffic Officers leading in major cities and DSP Traffic in smaller towns.

Special briefings for security personnel on duty are required, ensuring their presence until the end of the events and the peaceful dispersal of participants. Enhanced security arrangements have been advised for markets, parks, and shopping malls, with effective roadblocks at key locations following police SOPs.

Rescue 1122, the Bomb Disposal Squad, and Civil Defence personnel have been placed on high alert, and hospitals have been instructed to maintain the availability of specialist doctors and essential medicines at all times. The department has also called for close monitoring of individuals listed in the Fourth Schedule and criminal elements, recommending intelligence-based and combing operations to bolster security.

Additionally, a special traffic plan is to be developed for smooth traffic flow in major cities, complemented by public awareness campaigns about traffic diversion plans.