LAHORE – The security of the US consulate has been handed over to the Pakistan Rangers, while the provincial capital’s security has been beefed up to curb violence during demonstrations against the release of Raymond Davis on Thursday.
Sources in the Lahore Police told Pakistan Today that about three to four thousand policemen have been deployed to secure important places in the city. They said that extensive security measures have been adopted by the Lahore Police to especially secure the American Consulate and Americans residing in the city.
They said that the Lahore police has also deployed extra policemen at and around public and private buildings including the Punjab Assembly, the CM’s House, the Governor’s House, courts and police offices. Sources further said that policemen have also been deployed at markets, banks, hotels and restaurants, offices of multinational companies, the stock exchange and at the offices of telecom agencies.
They said that plain clothes policemen shall also be present at the aforementioned places to check demonstrator movements. Lahore Police high-ups have also directed the patrolling squad to increase patrol, especially near the American Consulate. Officials from the Elite Force have been directed to remain alert, as they could be called for help any time.
Senior Superintendent of Police Faisal Ali Rana told Pakistan Today that though the security has been beefed up in the city, the police will stay away from demonstrators and will only react if they create a law and order situation. He said that peaceful protests would not be disturbed. To a question, he said that the Americans’ security has become a matter of concern for the Lahore Police but they are ‘sure’ that people will not take the law into their own hands.
