Police pull up socks to tackle Opp's protest.

Byline: Ashraf Javed

LAHORE -- Tens of thousands of police will be deployed across Punjab to tackle anti-government protests called by major opposition parties by the end of this month amid growing political uncertainty in the country.

Just one week before the planned sit-in, the police department imposed a complete ban on all types of casual leaves for officials in order to ensure availability of maximum strength. The anti-riot force, reserve squads, and other special units are also being mobilized to tackle any urgent situation.

A Punjab government official said large crowds are expected to join the movement since all leading opposition parties have announced 'full support' to the protest march scheduled on October 31 in the federal capital.

'Therefore, police and all other law enforcement agencies are put on their toes to keep the situation under control,' said the official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to media. 'The police will fully and strictly implement orders of the government while dealing with the agitators,' he said.

The police have also been warned that during the protest march the terrorists 'may get an opportunity' to carry out attack by targeting the protesters. 'In coming days, it is expected that political/religious parties will resort to protest and try to stage sit-in at Islamabad that can be detrimental to peaceful atmosphere of the (Punjab) province,' says an official letter issued by the central police office. 'Keeping in view the expected upcoming developments in the province, there is a dire need to ensure availability of sufficient strength of Punjab Police to tackle any law and order situation.'

The police department has been giving final touches to a 'comprehensive security plan' to deal with the emerging political situation. 'We have finalized a counter-plan to deal with any emergent situation in all possible manners. Special control rooms will be activated in all Punjab districts to closely monitor the security situation,' the official explained. 'At present, police are completely focusing on the scheduled protest march. All options are open and political and religious leaders will be engaged to maintain peace in the province.'

Another official claimed that nobody would be allowed to disrupt routine life in major cities. The law enforcement agencies would respond quickly in case anyone tried to create lawlessness like situation, he added.

Thousands of police in...