Daily Times

LAHORE: The city police on Friday ensured foolproof security arrangements both for Friday prayers and mass gatherings of Christians to mark Good Friday.

More than 6,000 police officials were deputed at all important places, including mosques and churches across the city.

According to police sources, security arrangements were beefed up outside all city mosques, churches, markets and important government installations. Police high-ups also deputed special trained snipers at rooftops of buildings adjacent to mosques, churches, markets, bazaars and other public places.

They said that no one was allowed to enter mosques with checking. Barbed wires also erected to ensure security to faithful offering Friday prayers.

Policewomen were also assisting their male colleagues to give a security cover to Christians marking Good Friday. Walk-through gates were installed at all entry points of churches, while police also frisked members of the Christian community before joining the services to observe Good Friday. Volunteers also helped police perform security duties.

Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Capt (r) Amin Wains said that the Lahore police were employing all possible resources to secure lives and assets of the citizens, and all officers and cops were playing a significant role in war against terrorism.

“All divisional superintendents of police (SPs) were directed to patrol their respective areas while the Dolphin Force and Police Response Units also patrolled main roads of the city,” he said.

The CCPO said security was beefed up at all entry and exit points of the city, while vehicles were allowed to pass after checking using latest technology. Senior police officers also monitored security arrangements via closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, he added.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police (Operations) Dr Haider Ashraf said 10 superintendents of police (SPs), 35 deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) and 86 special police officers were assigned the task of securing churches along with heavy contingents of police.

Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is observed during ‘Holy Week’ as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday. It is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Black Friday or Easter Friday, though the last term properly refers to the Friday in Easter week.