Lahore: The Punjab Police has finalized a comprehensive security plan to ensure the safety and peaceful conduct of Muharram observances, according to a press release. Under the direction of Inspector General Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, the strategy will provide full security to over 38,000 religious gatherings and more than 9,200 mourning processions during the first ten days of Muharram.

The plan involves the deployment of over 232,000 officers and personnel across the province, with more than 28,000 stationed in Lahore. Assistance will be provided by over 53,000 volunteers for religious gatherings and 38,000 for mourning processions.

Field formations such as the Counter Terrorism Department, Special Branch, Traffic Police, Dolphin Squad, and the Police Response Unit will be actively engaged. Dr. Anwar stressed the importance of collaboration among scholars and community leaders to maintain peace and thwart any attempts at discord by anti-state elements.

In preparation, coordination with peace committees and event organizers is being prioritized. Designated routes and venues for processions and gatherings will be strictly adhered to. The enforcement of Section 144 and the Loudspeaker Act will be rigorously applied.

Security measures include the use of CCTV cameras, metal detectors, and walkthrough gates at sensitive sites. Monitoring will focus on individuals listed in the Fourth Schedule, while acts of hate speech, wall chalking, or illegal banner placement will lead to arrests.

Dr. Anwar also noted that senior police officials will personally oversee security measures, with control rooms in all districts maintaining constant communication with the Central Control Room at the Central Police Office to ensure effective implementation of the plan.