LAHORE: Punjab police have finalised the security plan for Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Day. According to details, more than 30,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed for the security of over 2,900 churches across the province including Lahore. In the provincial capital Lahore, over 5,000 police officers and personnel will perform security duties at more than 600 Christian places of worship. More than 1,000 police personnel will be deployed for the security of programmes held on Quaid-e-Azam Day. According to the Punjab police, women police personnel will also be deployed for the checking of female citizens on the occasion of Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Day. The churches have been divided into A, B, and C categories based on sensitivity. The A category included 142 churches, the B category included 291 churches, while the C category included more than 2,500 churches. IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar has directed all RPOs and DPOs to maintain high security alert on the occasion of Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Day, and to deploy additional force at sensitive churches. The IG Punjab said that police should remain extremely alert and keep a strict watch on anti-state elements and suspicious individuals. The IG Punjab further directed that supervisory officers should ensure security arrangements through continuous liaison and mutual consultation with church administrations. He said that with the help of Safe Cities Authority cameras, continuous monitoring of Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Day events will be carried out, while commandos and snipers will also be deployed for the security of sensitive churches and important locations. IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar directed that Dolphin Squad, PRU, and Elite police teams will ensure effective patrolling around churches and Christian localities, while CTD and Special Branch teams, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, will take action against terrorists and miscreant elements. The IG Punjab has also directed all RPOs, DPOs, and CTOs to personally supervise security and traffic arrangements. He said that prior to Christmas, flag marches, search, and sweep operations are being conducted around churches and Christian localities. He further said that on the occasion of Christmas, foolproof security will also be ensured at parks, recreational places, foreign embassies, and all sensitive installations, and with the cooperation of leaders of all schools of thought, the promotion of interfaith harmony on the occasion of Christmas will be ensured. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025