Rawalpindi (Urdu Point Network, March 31, 2026) The Punjab Interior Ministry has announced tight security measures across the province ahead of religious celebrations for the Christian community, including Good Friday and Easter.
The Christian community will celebrate 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 entertainment sites during the week, prompting authorities to put security on high alert.
In its guidelines, the Interior Ministry ordered security in churches, residential areas and public places to be guaranteed, with special surveillance in civic centres, parks, shopping malls and cinema halls.
High-definition surveillance cameras will be installed in churches and sensitive locations, with 24-hour patrols maintained throughout the events.
The guidelines specify strict and random checking at entry and exit points of churches and installation of toll gates and metal detectors.
Parking spaces will be moved to a safe distance from places of worship, and volunteers along with law enforcement personnel will remain on high alert.
District authorities have been instructed to ensure effective traffic management, proper lighting in public places, protection of foreign nationals, especially missionary leaders, and deployment of riot control forces as needed.
Snap inspections and combing operations will be intensified in identified areas, with an emphasis on intelligence sharing between agencies.
The 1122 Rescue Team, fire brigades and hospitals will be put on high alert, control rooms will be linked to central systems, and hotel management software will be ensured for security monitoring, the Interior Ministry said. Deputy Commissioners and District Police Officers have been directed to personally supervise the arrangements and ensure strict implementation of security standard operating procedures.