LAHORE: Following a bold pre-dawn assault attributed to India, the Punjab government has triggered its comprehensive emergency response framework by enacting the ‘War Book’ protocols, instructing all departments to maintain peak operational readiness.
Emergency services have been placed on heightened alert, with a centralized command center now functioning to ensure efficient monitoring and seamless inter-agency coordination.
While the nation’s armed forces delivered a strong and immediate counter-response, the Punjab administration moved swiftly to safeguard the civilian population.
It ordered the immediate shutdown of all public and private schools, colleges, and universities. Furthermore, examinations scheduled at various academic levels were suspended without delay.
In the wake of the missile attacks, which resulted in the martyrdom of 26 civilians and injuries to 46 others, the government cancelled all staff leave and directed law enforcement agencies to remain fully mobilized to handle any potential crises.
In alignment with the ‘War Book’ directives, sirens and public warning systems were activated across the province.
Law enforcement was also instructed to secure all critical and high-risk sites immediately. Additionally, officials were tasked with identifying and operationalizing public shelters to bolster civil defence mechanisms.
District administrations were put on alert and instructed to implement foolproof security strategies, with authorities warning that further hostile action, particularly targeting crucial infrastructure, remained a possibility.
Amid these serious developments, the spirit of the public remained resolute. Citizens took to the streets and assembled at intersections and the locations of the attacks in five different cities. They raised slogans in solidarity with the country’s armed forces, boosting morale and national unity.
Assessing the situation in the aftermath of India’s alleged concession, signaled by the raising of a white flag, the Punjab government decided not to prolong the closure of educational institutions.
Education Institutuons
Public and private schools, colleges, and universities were directed to resume academic activities and examinations as per the originally issued schedules.
Postponed examinations from Wednesday will be rescheduled, with dates to be announced by the respective education boards and universities, following the completion of ongoing exams.
Although academic institutions remained shut on the day of the attack, marketplaces stayed open and routine commercial activity continued without interference.
Despite signs of de-escalation, the Punjab government remains vigilant.
On Wednesday morning, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman chaired a high-level virtual meeting with the heads of all provincial departments, including the chairman of the Planning and Development Board.
The chief secretary instructed all provincial authorities, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, and police units to sustain their preparedness in line with the protocols outlined in the ‘War Book’.
During his visit to the central command center—linked to local control rooms in each district—the chief secretary received a detailed briefing from the Home Department.
He emphasized the importance of formally documenting all preparedness measures to establish a set of comprehensive operational guidelines.
Control rooms within the Home Department and the Implementation and Coordination Department were ordered to operate 24/7.
Departments were directed to maintain continuous coordination with the Home Department for logistical and operational support.
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Special Secretary of the Home Department, Fazalur Rehman, presented an update to the provincial leadership on the enforcement of the ‘War Book’ procedures.
He confirmed that solid security protocols were in place to protect essential infrastructure and to ensure the safety of the public throughout the province.
In a detailed security briefing, Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar assured the administration that the Punjab Police had been placed on full alert.
Officers had been deployed to strategic points, including positions along the border, to maintain a high level of vigilance.
Although the military conflict appeared to have abated within hours, the public continued to show strong support.
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Citizens expressed their patriotic fervor on social media platforms like X, posting memes and humorous content under trending slogans such as “Sindoor ban gaya Tandoor” to celebrate what was perceived as a decisive victory.
