In preparation for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday in Pakistan, authorities have deployed over 100,000 police and paramilitary forces at mosques and marketplaces across the country. The three-day holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan, is subject to the sighting of the moon and will be celebrated on Wednesday. While attacks during Eid are rare in Pakistan, intelligence agencies have warned the Interior Ministry that militants could use the holiday as an opportunity to target civilians, government and military buildings, as well as compounds housing police. The surge in militant attacks in recent years in Pakistan has been mainly claimed by groups such as the Pakistani Taliban and separatists operating from Baluchistan province.
Security measures are also being increased at locations where high-profile personalities are expected to say their Eid prayers. Taliban spokesperson for the Interior Ministry Abdul Mateen Qani assured that security forces in Afghanistan are fully alert to ensure the safety during Eid al-Fitr. The deployment of security forces in crowded areas, including mosques, is intended to prevent any potential threats. In the capital city of Kabul, the police chief office has requested citizens to avoid setting off fireworks or causing disturbances.
As people continue with their Eid preparations, shopping for traditional items like bangles, jewelry, and clothes, security remains a top priority for the authorities across the country. More than 52,000 police officers are being stationed at mosques as part of a comprehensive security plan. In the province of Punjab, the most populous in Pakistan and home to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, around 8,000 police officers have been deployed to sensitive areas and markets as a precautionary measure. The Prime Minister, who was recently elected despite protests and allegations of rigging, is from Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab.
While there is no specific information about potential attacks during Eid al-Fitr, senior defense analyst Abdullah Khan emphasized the risk of militants targeting soft targets, especially during large gatherings at mosques and open areas. The presence of security forces at key locations is crucial in preventing any untoward incidents during the holiday celebrations. Various cities in Pakistan, including Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, and Quetta, remain vigilant and prepared for any security threats that may arise during Eid al-Fitr. The coordination between law enforcement agencies and intelligence services is essential in ensuring the safety and security of citizens during the festive period.
