Business Recorder
LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has issued detailed security guidelines ahead of the 327th Baisakhi Festival, as thousands of Sikh pilgrims from across the world are expected to arrive in Pakistan to participate in the religious celebrations. According to an official, the festival will be observed from April 10 to April 19. A total of approximately 26,000 Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan and abroad are expected to attend, including around 3,000 pilgrims arriving from India. In view of the large influx of visitors, the Home Department has directed the Punjab Police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure comprehensive and foolproof security arrangements at all key locations, including gurdwaras, residential facilities, and travel routes used by the pilgrims. As part of the security plan, walkthrough gates, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, and searchlights will be installed at all sensitive points. Additionally, at least one officer of Superintendent of Police (SP) rank will be deployed to supervise security arrangements at each event. The Special Branch has been tasked with conducting thorough security audits of all venues, as well as ensuring strict checking of transport vehicles. This includes the inspection of buses and the screening of drivers and conductors to prevent any untoward incidents. To facilitate uninterrupted religious activities, power supply companies have been instructed to ensure continuous electricity at all gurdwaras. Meanwhile, intelligence committees at divisional and district levels will hold meetings to finalize and review security arrangements. Authorities have also been directed to complete combing operations in relevant areas before the start of the festival. The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) will coordinate closely with the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and relevant authorities in India to ensure smooth arrangements for visiting pilgrims. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been directed to expedite immigration processes by setting up modern biometric-equipped counters. Separate counters will also be established at Wagah border crossing for elderly pilgrims and women. To assist visitors, help desks staffed with volunteers will be set up at all key locations. Authorities have also been instructed to ensure proper arrangements for lighting, clean drinking water, air conditioning, and sanitation facilities. Security measures will also include the installation of baggage scanners at gurdwaras. All vehicles transporting pilgrims must possess valid fitness certificates and route permits. Each convoy will be accompanied by at least one backup bus to handle emergencies such as breakdowns. Emergency response arrangements will include the deployment of Rescue 1122 teams, bomb disposal squads, and the establishment of ETPB camp offices at accommodation sites. Medical teams comprising doctors and paramedical staff will accompany each convoy, along with two ambulances. Furthermore, field hospitals and mobile clinics will be set up in all relevant districts, ensuring the availability of essential medicines. Authorities have also been directed to remove encroachments around gurdwaras and residential areas. The Punjab Food Authority will conduct inspections to ensure the quality and safety of food provided to pilgrims. Meanwhile, sanitation teams under the “Suthra Punjab” initiative will maintain cleanliness at all venues, routes, and accommodation sites. To ensure effective monitoring and coordination, control rooms will be established in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Attock, and Narowal. All departmental control rooms will be linked to a central control room for real-time communication and coordination. The Punjab Home Department has instructed Deputy Commissioners and District Police Officers of the relevant districts to ensure strict and complete implementation of the security plan to guarantee a safe and peaceful Baisakhi Festival for all participants. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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