Security plan issued for Vaisakhi festival

LAHORE:The Punjab Home Department has issued comprehensive security protocols for the upcoming Vaisakhi Festival, which will be held from April 10 to April 19.

According to the department’s spokesperson, around 30,000 Sikh yatrees from across the world and within Pakistan will participate, including 3,000 from India. All gurdwaras and designated accommodations are to be equipped with walk-through gates, CCTV cameras, and three-tier security systems prior to the event. Security will be further strengthened with searchlights at sensitive locations.

Police and Rangers will jointly oversee the security and movement of yatrees, while power supply companies have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted electricity at all key sites. The district administrations have been directed to immediately remove encroachments around gurdwaras and lodging areas.

The home department has ordered intelligence committee meetings at both divisional and district levels to finalise arrangements. Combing operations will be completed in all relevant areas before the festival. Surveillance will be maintained by the Special Branch and other agencies at all gurdwaras and residence zones.

The visitors will not be allowed to move beyond the assigned routes or areas of residence. All control rooms at the district level are to be linked with the central control room, with dedicated control rooms set up in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Attock, and Narowal.

Customs and immigration authorities will establish dedicated counters to ensure timely clearance, while the Railway Police will be responsible for the security of trains and railway stations used by the visitors.

The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) will coordinate all operations in collaboration with relevant departments. All DCs and DPOs in Punjab have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the issued SOPs and security plans.