Lahore: In anticipation of the 981st Urs celebrations of Hazrat Ali Hajvery, also known as Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), Lahore police have rolled out extensive security measures to ensure the safety of the thousands expected to attend.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab announcement issued on 25 August 2024, the city’s police force has mobilized a significant deployment, including 6 Superintendents of Police (SPs), 22 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 79 Station House Officers (SHOs), and 297 upper subordinates to manage the security for the three-day event. The comprehensive security setup includes 81 checkpoints, 9 check posts, and 12 walk-through gates around Data Darbar, the site of the Urs.
The Chief of City Police Office (CCPO) Lahore highlighted that rigorous security protocols are in place, including thorough searches of all individuals entering the premises using metal detectors, walk-through gates, and electric barriers. The deployment also features special arrangements for the checking of female visitors by lady police officials.
The CCPO has issued directives to ensure that no vehicles or motorcycles are parked outside designated areas to prevent any security lapses. Senior police officials are maintaining constant coordination with the administrators of Darbar to oversee the security during key activities such as the distribution of milk and food at Sabeels.
Police operations will remain especially vigilant at all city entry and exit points, and ongoing search and combing operations are set to continue throughout the duration of the Urs and the upcoming Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), with a focus on monitoring any suspicious activities.