Latest news with #DolphinSquad
Express Tribune
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Section 144 to remain in place across Punjab during Muharram
Listen to article The Punjab government has decided to enforce Section 144 across the province in view of Muharram-ul-Haram, as part of efforts to maintain law and order and prevent sectarian unrest. The ban will be in effect from the 1st to the 10th of Muharram and will prohibit the display of weapons, fireworks, and any material likely to incite sectarian or religious tensions in public spaces without prior permission from authorities, Express News reported. Double riding will be banned on Muharram 9 and 10, though senior citizens, women, and law enforcement personnel will be exempt from this restriction. Authorities have clarified that no new processions or changes in traditional Majalis routes will be permitted. Public statements or content that promote sectarian or ethnic hatred, whether through devices or social media platforms, are also banned under the order. Read: Strict Muharram security promised Additionally, residents are prohibited from building structures such as posts or collecting stones, bottles, or debris on rooftops along procession routes. Spectators will not be allowed to gather on rooftops or shop ledges during the processions. Apart from the double riding ban, all other restrictions will remain effective throughout the first ten days of Muharram. Meanwhile, security has been ramped up in the provincial capital. The Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit have been placed on high alert to ensure safety during Muharram activities. In a recent operation, Dolphin Force recovered firearms from a suspicious black-tinted vehicle on Multan Road, arresting five suspects. Recovered items included two rifles, three pistols, dozens of bullets, and magazines. According to SP Dolphin Arslan Zahid, the suspects—Kashif Ali, Muhammad Rahat, Azeem Anwar, Muhammad Mansab, and Basharat Ali—have been handed over to the Chuhang police station for further legal proceedings. Previously, the Punjab government has rolled out a comprehensive security plan for Muharram, incorporating digital surveillance, inter-agency coordination, and infrastructure safety measures to ensure peaceful religious observances across the province. According to the Home Department, Muharram is likely to begin on June 26 or 27, subject to moon sighting. A digital portal has been activated to monitor majalis, procession routes, and sensitive sites, with deputy commissioners instructed to upload relevant data within five days. The system will be managed by Kamran Taj from the Home Department's MIS section. To bolster security, the department has formally requested the deployment of Pakistan Army and Punjab Rangers, asking for location and duration details within a week. The request also includes mobile signal jamming in specific high-risk zones. To prevent sectarian unrest, the government has directed that non-Shia religious gatherings remain physically separate from Shia events.
Business Recorder
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Christian worship and prayer services Punjab police remain on high alert
LAHORE: Punjab Police remained on high alert during Christian worship and prayer services held at churches across Lahore and the province. Earlier, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar had issued directives to RPOs and DPOs to enhance security arrangements at churches. IG Punjab emphasized that supervisory officers must personally inspect security at churches and key locations. Additional police personnel and snipers were deployed at sensitive churches. Dolphin Squad, PRU, and Elite teams ensured effective patrolling around the officers and personnel on duty were instructed to remain extremely vigilant and keep a close watch on suspicious elements. Search and sweep operations around churches, Christian neighbourhoods, and sensitive areas continued as part of the security measures. IG Punjab further said that religious scholars, members of the Christian community, and peace committees should work together to promote interfaith harmony. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Child workers driven toward education: CM
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that Punjab is ensuring the protection of children's rights by establishing the first Virtual Child Safety Station. She stated in a message on the World Day Against Child Labour, "The Punjab government is taking effective measures against child labour. Children are being freed from forced labour and driven towards attaining education." According to a statement, a team of experts in the virtual centre is tasked with carrying out search operations for missing children, getting in touch with their families and verifying their credentials. The centre has proven effective in bringing back home not only missing children but also elderly people. A helpline has been activated for missing children and citizens of other provinces as well. At least 59,635 people have so far contacted the Virtual Safety Centre to complain about missing persons, of which 53,542 cases have been resolved. The chief minister highlighted, "Whether children belong to Punjab or any other province, they are all dear to us." She maintained, "In case of disappearance, we are determined to fulfill our responsibility of bringing every child home safe and sound. Every citizen of the country can benefit from Pakistan's first Virtual Centre for Child Safety." She outlined, "We are ready to utilise all available state resources for the safe return of missing children." On the other hand, only 37 per cent of the total 895 cases of child labour reported across the country in 2024 resulted in convictions. This was revealed in the Sustainable Social Development Organisation's (SSDO) annual report. Punjab reported the highest number of cases at 450, followed closely by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa with 426. In contrast, Sindh and Balochistan showed alarmingly low reporting rates. SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas said that child labour is not just a legal violation but a moral crisis that endangers the very fabric of the society. He said child labour is a crime that extinguishes the hopes and potential of future generations. "It is a stain on our conscience and we cannot move forward as a nation while allowing our children to be trapped in cycles of exploitation." He emphasised the urgent need for the government to strengthen child protection institutions and implement a cohesive national strategy to address the root causes of child labour. "We need a coordinated, inter-provincial policy framework, backed by modern technology to identify risks early and ensure timely intervention," he added. He also called for greater investment in education and social welfare to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow in a safe and nurturing environment. Meanwhile, the Dolphin Squad rescued a teenage girl who had been kidnapped from Ravi Road and arrested the suspected abductor. According to a spokesperson, an operation was conducted in the Kot Kamboh area, where the squad rescued the girl and apprehended the suspect. According to the police, the girl had been kidnapped on May 23 by 25-year-old Junaid from Sham Pura. The kidnapping case was registered at Ravi Road police station. "The Dolphin Squad conducted a targeted operation based on intelligence reports and traced the victim to Kot Kamboh," said the spokesperson. The team informed the girl's parents about her recovery and transferred her to Nawan Kot police station for legal proceedings regarding the case. The arrested suspect will be presented before a magistrate and the investigation is ongoing.
Business Recorder
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Christian worship, prayer services held: Punjab Police remain high alert
LAHORE: Punjab Police remained on high alert while performing duties during Christian worship and prayer services held in churches across Lahore and the province. Earlier, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar issued orders to RPOs and DPOs to enhance the security arrangements of churches. IG Punjab said that supervisory officers should personally inspect the security arrangements of churches and important locations. Additional police personnel and snipers should be deployed at sensitive churches. Dolphin Squad, PRU, and Elite teams should ensure effective patrolling around churches. On-duty police officers and personnel must remain highly alert and keep a close watch on miscreants. Search and sweep operations should continue around churches, Christian localities, and sensitive places. Dr. Usman Anwar further said that religious scholars, the Christian community, and members of peace committees should promote interfaith harmony. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Home dept unveils security plan for Jumatul Wida, Eid
The Punjab Home Department has rolled out a detailed security strategy to ensure peaceful observances of Jumatul Wida, Yaoum-e-Quds, and Eidul Fitr across the province. The plan includes multi-layered security arrangements at places of worship, increased surveillance in public spaces, and strict monitoring of inter-city and inter-provincial routes to maintain law and order. Authorities have implemented a three-tier security system at all mosques, Imambargahs, and Eidgahs, with central entry points fortified by walk-through gates, metal detectors, and CCTV surveillance. Female police officers have also been deployed to ensure the safety of women worshippers. Additionally, security personnel in protective gear will be stationed at key locations, and special pickets will be set up to deter any potential threats. To prevent public disturbances, the Punjab government has banned incendiary speeches, provocative sloganeering, and misuse of loudspeakers, warning of strict legal action against violators. Enhanced security will also be in place at Eid bazaars, parks, hotels, and other crowded areas, while disaster response teams, including Rescue 1122, bomb disposal squads, and health departments, remain on high alert. As part of confidence-building measures, City SP Captain (retd) Qazi Ali Raza held a meeting with religious scholars and peace committee members, urging them to support law enforcement in ensuring a peaceful environment. "Islam teaches us peace and unity, and we must work together to ensure a safe and harmonious Eid," he stated, praising religious leaders for their role in promoting interfaith harmony. Meanwhile, Lahore police have ramped up their crackdown on criminal elements ahead of the holidays. In a 48-hour operation, the Dolphin Squad arrested 284 suspects, including 48 wanted criminals and 58 habitual offenders. SP Dolphin Shahmir Khalid confirmed that snap-checking and patrolling will continue throughout Eid to prevent any security breaches.
