Punjab Police were placed on heightened alert as over 30,000 officers were deployed throughout the province to secure Good Friday services and prepare for the upcoming Easter Sunday celebrations. Authorities implemented rigorous checks, surveillance, and worked closely with community members to safeguard the Christian population during these significant religious observances.
In a significant development, the comprehensive security plan was finalized during a video conference led by Additional IG Operations Punjab, Muhammad Ali Naikokara. Senior police officials, including Regional Police Officers (RPOs), Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs), and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Lahore, participated in the meeting. They provided detailed briefings on local security arrangements and traffic management strategies.
Access to churches was tightly controlled, with attendees undergoing thorough screening and verification before entry. Police collaborated extensively with community volunteers to identify and monitor any suspicious behavior. Additionally, sweep operations and door-to-door checks were intensified in the days leading up to Good Friday. Special attention was given to potential troublemakers to prevent any disturbances during the events.
Punjab Police assigned 13,000 personnel to oversee 2,270 Good Friday programs, while more than 17,000 officers were designated for 3,153 Easter events across the province. In Lahore alone, security duties were managed by over 5,000 officers. Sensitive sites such as churches, parks, cemeteries, and Christian neighborhoods were under close surveillance, with snipers and commandos strategically positioned at key locations. Units including the Dolphin Force, Police Response Unit (PRU), and Elite Force conducted continuous patrols, while city entry and exit points were strictly monitored to control movement.
Authorities maintained strong coordination with the Safe City Authority, district administrations, church officials, and Christian community leaders to ensure the smooth conduct of religious ceremonies. Naikokara emphasized that officers should remain on duty until all Easter prayers and related gatherings concluded, highlighting the importance of vigilance and promoting interfaith harmony throughout Punjab.
