Services will be monitored through CCTV cameras
ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan prepares to celebrate Christmas with the annual mass, carols, lights and Christmas trees, the security forces would remain on high alert.
The authorities have tightened security around churches and mass prayer sites all across the country. To strengthen protection of religious buildings, walk-through gates have been installed at entry and exit points and the Christmas services would be monitored through CCTV cameras.
The security has been boosted to guard against potential terror attacks amid reports that three suicide bombers including a woman belonging to terrorist group TTP could target a church in Lahore on Christmas Eve. To further ensure foolproof security for the Christian community, the administration has decided to deploy snipers on the rooftops of nearby buildings.
Punjab Police Inspector General (IG) Shoaib Dastgir said the Christians are an integral part of society and the police force would ensure full security utilising all available resources so that the Christian community can celebrate their religious festival without any fear. Police departments would also remain in close coordination with rescue 1122, fire brigade and emergency health services as part of security arrangements.
In Islamabad city, more than 1000 police officers have been deployed in and around places of worship places during Christmas, according to DIG (Operations) Islamabad Waqar Uddin Syed. Anti-terrorist squad and bomb disposal units have also been alerted to enhance security.
