RAWALPINDI: The Punjab home department has directed the regional police officer of Rawalpindi to ensure foolproof security of three special trains carrying Sikh pilgrims, who will arrive at Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hasanabdal on Thursday.

The police sources said more than 500 police personnel will be deployed at the railway stations, and along the tracks located in Rawalpindi district to ensure safety of the pilgrims.

A large number of pilgrims will also arrive in Lahore from India by special trains. During their stay in Pakistan, they will attend the Baisakhi festival, visit their holy shrines and perform their rituals in Lahore, Hasanabdal and Nankana Sahib.

In line with the home department’s directives, the Rawalpindi police have prepared a security plan for Sikh pilgrims, who will reach Gurdwara Punja Sahib by three special trains on Thursday. The pilgrims will return to Nankana Sahib on April 13.

As part of the security protocol, extra police will be deployed along the rail track, starting from Gujar Khan to Rawalpindi. Besides, police pickets will be established after every five kilometres along the track.

When Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Mohammad Maqbool was contacted, he said a comprehensive security plan had been chalked out to ensure safety of Sikh pilgrims.

“No extra police is being brought from other districts; however, more than 500 personnel will be deployed for the security of the Sikh pilgrims’ special trains,” the SSP said.