Daily Times

LAHORE: Young bikers could lose their freedom on the Independence Day, as violation of the spirit of independence could land them behind the bars for 48 hours.

Police have prepared a new “gift” package for motorcyclists on the occasion of Independence Day. According to the package, elements taking law in their hands or indulging in hooliganism could spend two days behind the bars besides registration of a case against them under section 99-A of Motor Vehicle Ordinance that carries Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 fine or up to six months imprisonment, or both.

Police have also beefed up its security arrangements on the eve of Independence Day, as more than 10,000 police officers and traffic wardens would perform their duties in the provincial capital.

After the tragic Quetta incident, the government has announced to celebrate Independence Day in a simple way to show solidarity with the families of martyrs. The government has also postponed all outdoor activities due to security threats and would arrange all celebrations in covered and safe areas.

Meanwhile, the department has arrested more than 50 suspects during search operations across the city following a high alert issued by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) regarding possible terror attacks by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s Fazalullah group at Wagah Border in Lahore and Ganda Singh Border in Kasur on Aug 13, 14 or 15.

At least 300 police pickets and 200 police vehicles would be patrolling across the city on August 13 and 14 to provide peaceful atmosphere for the citizens so they could enjoy the national day.

Special teams have also been constituted to check all auto workshops in the city where the young bikers were modifying their motorcycles. The special teams would take immediate action against those involved in one-wheeling, while several control rooms have been established in the offices of divisional SPs to cope with any emergency situation.

Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Captain (r) Amin Wains and DIG Operations Dr Haider Ashraf said foolproof security arrangements have been finalised for I-Day and strict action would be taken against one-wheeling. They said that a case would be registered against dodgy bikers besides imprisonment of two days.

They directed all SPs to keep a vigilant eye on the activities of anti-social elements, adding that strict vigilance should be maintained at bus and wagon stands, trade and business centres, hotels as well as entry and exit points of the city. Similarly, unclaimed vehicles and items should also be checked, they added.

They also issued instructions for stern action against the commuters involved in over speeding or riding without silencers. Youth engaged in hooliganism should not be spared, and special teams should be formed to take action against the persons pestering the citizens or indulging in negative activities, they added.

They said that traffic wardens, Mohafiz Force, mobile squads, Elite Force and Dolphin Squad would adopt strict measures in their respective areas to curb negative activities, while special security plan has been evolved for maintenance of smooth traffic flow on the occasion of August 14 and additional traffic wardens have also been deployed at important routes and it is being ensured that no traffic jam should occur so that citizens could enjoy the Independence Day celebrations.

On the other hand, City Traffic Police has evolved a comprehensive traffic plan to ensure smooth flow of traffic and proper parking outside all historic and recreational places in the city on Independence Day.

According to the traffic plan, under the supervision of three SPs, 12 DSPs, 107 traffic inspectors and 3,191 traffic wardens would perform their duties. Special squads of wardens have been deployed at Jail Road, The Mall Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg, Canal Road, GT Road, Ferozepur Road, Ring Road and other important roads of the city to control the one-wheeling.

It is pertinent to mention that mobile services would be suspended from 6am to 12pm owing to security threats in the city.