City police has beefed up security arrangements on the fifth day of Muharram across the provincial metropolis on Sunday. Police sources said that the security parametres have changed before the start of Muharram. The deputed policemen had orders not to leave their duty area until the last person leaves. Security around all the mosques and imam bargahs had been tightened whereas plain-clothes policemen had been deployed. The Lahore police high-ups deputed specially trained snipers at the rooftops of buildings located adjacent with all sensitive mosques, imam bargahs and important public places across the city. The police department has also called the Mujahid Force, Dolphin Force, Quick Response Force, Tiger Squad in addition to personnel in plainclothes from other intelligence agencies for round the clock patrolling in all sensitive areas. The personnel deputed at city’s police stations are also directed to keep a vigilant eye on all crowded places situated in their respective jurisdiction. Talking exclusively to Daily Times, a senior police officer said a high profile meeting of senior police officers has been held to chalk out a foolproof security plan to maintain law and order in the city during Muharram. He said that police high ups have passed on strict directions to police officials to ensure patrolling in their respective areas and pay surprise visits at police pickets set up within their jurisdiction. Deputy Inspector General Operations Shahzad Akbar said that areas that host Muharram processions and gatherings would be sealed off whereas the organisers have been requested to contact their concerned police stations prior to arranging such ceremonies. DIG Operations said that city police has adopted an extraordinary security plan for all important places. He added that police has also beefed up the security at all other religious places and other important places of the city. Police officers have been directed to utilise all the available resources and their best professional skills to maintain vigilance over the activities of suspects and dubious elements. Published in Daily Times, September 17th 2018.