Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr Usman Anwar has directed that security be kept on high alert throughout the province and instructed all field formations to remain fully vigilant.

According to the IGP, more than 25,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed across Punjab on New Year’s night, including over 5,000 officers in Lahore alone.

The deployed force comprises 419 inspectors, 1,267 sub-inspectors, 2,189 assistant sub-inspectors, 1,408 head constables and 16,977 constables.

Dr Anwar said that all activities across Lahore and the rest of the province would be closely monitored through CCTV cameras.

Police have been instructed to keep a special watch on anti-state elements, suspicious individuals and those involved in violations of the law.

The IGP made it clear that one-wheeling, aerial firing and hooliganism will be strictly banned on New Year’s night.

He warned that immediate action would be taken against miscreants involved in harassing women or citizens, and offenders would be taken into custody.

He also ordered the implementation of coordinated and effective traffic management arrangements.

Patrols by the Dolphin Squad, PERU, Elite Force and Punjab Highway Patrol will be intensified, while search and sweep operations will continue in Lahore and other cities across the province.

According to the IGP, pre-emptive surety bonds will also be obtained from individuals previously booked for one-wheeling and aerial firing last year.

The Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore, Regional Police Officers (RPOs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) have been directed to personally supervise security arrangements in their respective jurisdictions.

The Punjab Police have appealed to citizens to immediately report any suspicious activity, one-wheeling or aerial firing to helpline 15 to ensure timely action.