Police told to increase security around churches on New Year's Eve.

RAWALPINDI -- The Punjab home department has asked divisional police chiefs across the province increase security around churches on New Year's Eve.

This includes arranging three tiers of security cover around all churches, as well as stepping up measures to protect foreign diplomatic missions and staff, Christian missionaries and NGOs. Markets and shops around churches may also be closed at the time of New Year's services and searched for any objectionable or dangerous material.

The heightened security measures have been ordered in light of increased threat perceptions in the country. Organisers of New Year's services and other religious minorities' congregations should also be engaged and informed of the security requirements and the prevailing security situation, according to the home department's guidelines.

The availability of bomb disposal squads and their communication with district wireless control should also be ensured.

Heightened security measures issued in home dept guidelines due to increased threat perception

Abandoned vehicles near the venues of programmes or events will be removed immediately, and police and organisers will ensure that women attending services and other celebrations at churches undergo security checks.

There should be three tiers of security cover for all churches, multiple points for security checks and scanners, the guidelines said. Vigilance must be at 'high alert' and divisional superintendents of police should monitor all security arrangements regularly. In addition, special measures should be taken to check street harassment on New Year's Eve.

Sharpshooters should be deployed on rooftops around important churches during special services, and there should be extensive police patrols in...