Like other parts of the country, the Christian community on Monday celebrated the Christmas with great zeal and fervour in the provincial metropolis amidst stringent security measures taken by the law enforcement agencies (LEAs).
A senior police officer, seeking anonymity, told Business Recorder that the Punjab police had prepared a comprehensive security plan for the Christmas celebrations in the province soon after a suicide attack on a church in Quetta earlier this month in which at least nine people were martyred and over 50 wounded including women and children.
"After the attack, the law enforcers took precautionary measures by ensuring special security arrangements for the protection of Christmas celebrations across the province since there were reports regarding further incidents militancy on this religious occasion," the officer maintained.
It may be noted that the Special Branch of the Punjab police issued non-objection certificates (NOCs) to various churches of the city after inspecting their standard operating procedures (SOPs). However, few churches were not allowed to perform religious activities as they could not obtain NOCs.
According to the security plan, the Punjab police divided it into three different categories by deploying over 15,000 security personnel in Lahore to ensure foolproof security of Christian community. Many Christians were allowed to enter churches after strict physical checking.
Many police officers were also deployed on vantage points and rooftops of sensitive churches with latest weapons. In addition, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore, Amin Wains also paid surprise visit to various churches to review security measures taken by the law enforcement agencies (LEAs).
Talking to media, he expressed his satisfaction over security arrangements. Before the Christmas, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Dr Haider Ashraf met with religious leaders of the Christian community to finalise security plan. "The Police department will provide foolproof security to all churches," the DIG had assured.
As per the devised security plan, the personnel of Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit (PRU) were remained busy in patrolling outside churches and recreational places. Additional contingent of law enforcers having metal detectors and other security checking gadgets was also seen in a number of recreational spots.
"The security arrangements will remain on high-alert till New Year night because there could be a serious mishap if the devised SOPs were not followed properly," explained another senior police officer, who was not authorised to speak with the media. The officer also made a tall claim that the Police department will ensure a "proper ban" on aerial firing, one wheeling and hooliganism activities during the New Year night.
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