RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government sought amendments to province`s War Book from divisional police chiefs, the Special Branch and the deputy inspector general of police (DIG) railways to update it to modern times.

Sources said that the War Book spells out tasks that need to be taken by various departments working under the district administration or the provincial government during wartime. During the recent tensions between India and Pakistan, it was observed that the War Book, being an old document, needs to be amended to handle emergencies and requirements of modern times.

Sources said the provincial government has directed the heads of all government departments to propose amendments regarding their respective subjects, as mentioned in the War Book. They have been directed to send their proposals by the end of June.

A senior police official told Dawn that the Punjab government has sought proposals from various departments regarding amendments to the 1981 War Book, as the authorities think the book requires amendments in line with the existing security situation.

He said the War Book describes the role of the civil administration and other departments, including government hospitals, educational institutions and so on, operating under it during wartime.

It says that a monitoring and control room be established in each district where representativesfrom all the departments working under the district administration are present round-the-clock to monitor the situation.

The leave of staff from important departments would be cancelled and vital installations, such as oil storage facilities and food go-downs, would be protected and prohibited areas strictly guarded.

The War Book also says that civil defence will be activated for camouflage, and civil defence training is important for school and college students, while contingency plans are to be prepared by district departments.

The deputy commissioner would activate the Maintenance of Public Order for the detention of miscreants, and the War Book also describes civil participation by ulema, actors, journalists and local notables to motivate the public.

It describes the role of the police, who would liaise with intelligence to f acilitate the movement of the armed forces, look after sensitive installations and provide security to transport. The safety and security of grids, dams and barrages would be ensured by the district administration and police would meet with CEOs of electricity distribution companies.

The Special Branch has to send a daily report to the home department.

Under the War Book, firefighting services are placed at the disposal of district administration as local and special laws are seized during war.

According to sources, government departments have not yet started preparing amendments for the War Book, but they are to send their proposals by the end of this month.