Overall satisfactory, the Lahore police managed to take stringent security measures to ensure that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s rally was a success, however, late arrival of women police left a gaping hole in the security arrangements with thousands of women being able to enter the venue without being checked.
Around 2,000 policemen in uniforms and many others in plain clothes, traffic wardens, special officers from Intelligence Agencies and Special branch were present to check the crowd which showed up in thousands. Sources said the police had adopted extensive security measures to thwart any suspected activity and cops in police uniforms remained deputed at and around Minar-e-Pakistan but surprisingly, women police reached the venue midway through the rally, leaving a major loophole in the security arrangements.
The police had arranged four entry and exit points where walk-through gates were placed to stop the entry of explosive material or guns inside the venue. Policemen with 150 metal detectors had also been deployed at the entry and exits of Minar-e-Pakistan to search the crowds. The police also recorded the proceedings with 50 CCTV cameras. Before the rally, the police searched through the venue with the help of Bomb Disposal Squad and dogs, sources said, adding that after the clearance the PTI workers were allowed to enter the venue.
Snipers were also deputed on various rooftops around the venue while police vehicles were also seen patrolling the area before and throughout the rally. Sources said police had launched a major search operation before the rally to ensure smooth proceedings. Roads, particularly Data Darbar Road, Ravi Road, Ring Road to Batti Chowk and other leading arteries remained sealed during the rally on Sunday.
Around 2,200 traffic wardens performed duties in two shifts under the supervision of 79 inspectors, 8 DSPs and 2 SPs. Traffic policemen were also deputed to ensure safe parking during the rally in this regard helped people to park their vehicles at three points which were designated for parking including Guddi Ground parking, Ateeq Satdium and Baba Haider Saeen towards exit gate of Larri Adda. Traffic remained smooth and no traffic jams were reported.
