Police ready for rally.

Byline: Ashraf Javed

LAHORE -- Thousands of police are deployed in the city to maintain peace during the anti-government protest, dubbed as 'freedom march'. The protesters demande resignation of PM Imran Khan will reach Islamabad on October 31.

The patrol units in addition to Anti-Riot Force are put on their toes. Last week, the police department imposed a complete ban on all types of casual leaves for officials in order to ensure availability of maximum strength. The reserve squads and other special units have also been mobilised to tackle any urgent situation.

The provincial government has also released Rs120 million fund for the police department. The amount will be spent to feed on-duty policemen besides providing them logistics. An official last night told The Nation that the police department had demanded Rs 240 million for 'arrangements' but the finance department released Rs120 million at the first stage.

Lahore DIG (Operations) Ashfaq Khan said all arrangements are complete. The DIG held a meeting on the matter. SP (Security) Muhammad Naveed, SP (Dolphin Squad) Naveed Irshad, SP (Headquarters/ Anti Riot) Syed Karrar Hussain, SP (VVIP Security) MehmoodulHassan and all divisional SPs also attended the meeting. 'Situation is completely peaceful and Lahore Police are put on high-alert for the safety of citizens.

Rs120 million released for march security measures

The DIG said the police would implement the SOPs to ensure security of the citizens. Ashfaq said teams of Dolphin Squad, PRU, and Elite Police Force along with police stations personnel's will ensure effective patrol whereas vehicles and persons will be thoroughly searched at the entry and exit points of the city.

He said that snap checking, search operations, geo-tagging, and biometric verifications of suspected persons are being conducted on a daily basis. 'We will ensure continuous monitoring of the Azadi March and other important activities through the CCTV cameras of Punjab Safe Cities Authority,' the DIG said.

He also directed the police to follow the Police Code of Conduct while dealing with citizens and leave...