High alert across Punjab for Good Friday, Easter; strict security plan for worship places & public areas

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Mar, 2026) The Punjab Home Department has announced stringent security measures across the province ahead of the Christian community’s religious observances, including Good Friday and Easter.

The Christian community will observe Good Friday on April 3, Holy Saturday on April 4, Easter on April 5, and Easter Monday on April 6.

Large gatherings are expected at places of worship as well as recreational sites during the week, prompting authorities to place security on high alert.

The Home Department, in its guidelines, directed that security at churches, residential areas and public venues be made foolproof, with special monitoring at civic centres, parks, shopping malls and cinema halls.

High-resolution CCTV cameras will be installed at churches and sensitive locations, with 24-hour patrolling maintained throughout the events.

The guidelines specify strict and indiscriminate checking at entry and exit points of churches and the installation of walk-through gates and metal detectors.

Parking areas are to be relocated at a safe distance from worship sites, and volunteers alongside law enforcement personnel will remain on high alert.

District authorities have been instructed to ensure effective traffic management, proper lighting at public spaces, protection of foreign nationals, particularly missionary leaders, and deployment of anti-riot forces as needed.

Snap checks and combing operations in identified areas will be intensified, with emphasis on inter-agency intelligence sharing.

The Home Department said Rescue 1122, fire brigades and hospitals would be placed on high alert, control rooms connected to central systems, and hotel management software ensured for security monitoring. Deputy commissioners and district police officers have been directed to personally oversee arrangements and ensure strict implementation of security standard operating procedures.