ISLAMABAD, May 6 (Xinhua) -- About 80,000 policemen and volunteers have geared up to perform their duties in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province to protect mosques and other religious places from militancy during the Muslim month of Ramadan, starting in most parts of the country on Tuesday, local reports said Monday.

The law enforcers and volunteers will guard 32,585 mosques and shrines during Ramadan, Dawn News quoted Inspector General of Punjab Police Arif Nawaz as saying.

The police have mapped out a comprehensive security plan, and mobilized all available resources to beef up security of the province.

During the month, intelligence-based searches, sweeping and combing operations will be conducted in the vicinity of all worship places and educational institutes of the province, and security will be tightened around the clock, the officer added.

Ramadan is the ninth month of Islamic calendar when Muslims in the country observe over 15-hour long fast starting from pre-dawn time to dusk as a religious ritual.