Checkpoints at all entrances and exits to Lahore reinforced with officers carrying out stricter vehicle inspections
Punjab has been placed on alert after a deadly suicide attack in Islamabad that left several people dead and scores injured, sparking an immediate review of security across the province.
According to an official notification issued by the Punjab Home Department on Tuesday, law enforcement agencies and district administrations have been directed to step up vigil and implement comprehensive security plans to prevent any threat of spillover. The department termed the Islamabad incident a “cowardly act of terrorism” and warned that such attacks required a “proactive and coordinated security response” across Punjab.
The circular was sent to all senior officials including the Inspector General of Police, Divisional Commissioners, Regional and Municipal Police Officers, Deputy Commissioners and the Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122).
He asked them to strengthen security, especially in sensitive and densely populated areas, and to ensure that emergency response teams remain on standby. In Lahore, police initiated a province-wide strengthening of security protocols.
A spokesperson said additional forces had been deployed around key government offices, courts, shopping centers and critical facilities. Police checks at all entry and exit points in the provincial capital have been stepped up, with officers carrying out stricter inspections of vehicles and checking identity documents for any suspicious movements.
Operations DIG, Faisal Kamran has ordered divisional superintendents to remain on the ground and personally supervise security operations. He ordered Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit (PRU) teams to increase the frequency of patrols, particularly in high-risk areas, and maintain a visible presence to deter potential attacks.
Search and combing operations have been intensified in several localities of Lahore to ensure that unregistered vehicles or suspicious individuals do not escape scrutiny. Police have also stepped up surveillance of public transport terminals, parking lots and government complexes, while judicial and administrative buildings are under increased surveillance.
The authorities called on the population to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement. Citizens have been asked to immediately report any unusual activity, unattended objects or suspicious individuals by calling the police hotline 15.
A senior Interior Ministry official stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the first priority of the provincial government, adding that coordination between the civil administration and the police has been strengthened to ensure public safety.
