Thousands of Twin Cities Police on Alert for Peaceful Christmas

News Desk

Islamabad/Rawalpindi: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police and Rawalpindi Police have finalised comprehensive security and traffic arrangements to ensure peaceful Christmas celebrations and the safety of Christian worshippers across the twin cities.

In Islamabad, ICT Police have deployed more than 3,500 officers and personnel across the federal capital to secure churches and religious gatherings. A police spokesperson said on Wednesday that DIG Islamabad Muhammad Jawad Tariq is personally supervising security duties to ensure foolproof arrangements during Christmas.

Special security measures have been implemented at sensitive churches, where additional police personnel have been deployed. Special patrolling teams are continuously monitoring surrounding areas, while security has also been tightened at city entry and exit points with enhanced checking to avert any untoward incident.

Police personnel and volunteers have been deputed at church entrances to conduct body searches and ensure controlled access. Supervisory officers are maintaining close coordination with church administrations through continuous liaison to ensure the smooth conduct of religious activities.

Sensitive churches are being monitored through Safe City cameras, and special traffic squads have been formed to maintain smooth traffic flow around churches and busy areas. Strict action will be taken against one-wheeling, hooliganism, and other violations, while traffic officers have been directed to act without discrimination.

Additional police contingents have also been deployed around recreational spots. The spokesperson said protection of citizens’ lives and property remains the top priority of Islamabad Police, and all possible measures are being taken to ensure peaceful Christmas celebrations.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Police have rolled out an extensive security and traffic plan for Christmas, deploying more than 5,600 police officers and personnel across the city.

City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani said over 2,500 officers would be on duty during midnight church services, while more than 2,800 officers and personnel would perform duties throughout Christmas Day. To ensure smooth traffic flow, over 350 traffic police officers have been deployed at key locations.

Special pickets have been established at 57 sensitive sites, with additional deployments at public places, parks, churches, and Christian community graveyards. Elite Force commandos, Dolphin Force units, and police mobiles from respective police stations are conducting enhanced patrolling in their assigned areas.

Strict security measures have been enforced at churches, allowing entry only after complete body searches. The CPO directed field officers to personally check deployments and properly brief on-duty staff to ensure effective implementation of the plan.

“All available resources are being utilised to provide foolproof security to the Christian community during their religious festival,” CPO Hamdani said, adding that police stand with the Christian community in celebrating their joyous occasion.