Lahore: As Muharram ul Haram approaches, the Punjab Police, under the leadership of Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar, has finalized extensive security arrangements for Majalis and processions throughout the province. This security plan is set to cover all districts, including Lahore, ensuring safety for the significant number of religious gatherings expected during this period.
According to Punjab Police, over 38,000 Majalis and more than 10,700 processions will be held across Punjab during the ten days of Muharram. A deployment of over 457,000 officers and personnel will manage security, with more than 66,000 volunteers assisting. In Lahore alone, over 28,000 officers and personnel will be dedicated to maintaining peace during these observances.
The security strategy includes monitoring and controlling sensitive points throughout the province, with 633 areas identified as potential flashpoints, including 283 in Lahore. Additional personnel will focus on 146 points considered highly sensitive. Comprehensive measures, including the use of CCTV cameras, metal detectors, and walk-through gates, will be implemented to secure these areas.
Dr. Usman Anwar has emphasized strict adherence to the Loudspeaker Act and vigilant monitoring of individuals listed in the Fourth Schedule to prevent incitement. The security SOPs issued by the Home Department will be rigorously enforced, and any violations, especially the spread of hateful content via social media, will be met with strict legal consequences.
IG Punjab has directed all Regional Police Officers (RPOs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) to closely coordinate with peace committees and organizers to ensure that processions and Majalis occur only along approved routes and venues. Control rooms will be operational in all districts, maintaining continuous communication with the central police office’s main control room to address any incidents promptly.