IG Punjab Chairs Security Meeting for Muharram-ul-Haram
LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Kareem chaired an important meeting at the Central Police Office to review security arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram. The meeting focused on ensuring the peaceful conduct of Majalis and mourning processions across the province.
IG Punjab directed that all security measures for Majalis and processions be completed before the start of Muharram. He emphasized full implementation of the security SOPs issued by the Home Department. He stated that given the current strategic situation, security during Muharram is more sensitive and challenging than before, urging all officers to perform their duties with full commitment.
The IG warned that anti-state elements may attempt to disrupt law and order through terrorism, mischief, and sectarian hatred. However, he assured that Punjab Police is fully prepared to thwart any such conspiracies. He instructed RPOs and DPOs to maintain close liaison with Peace Committees, scholars, organizers of Majalis and processions, and all stakeholders to preemptively resolve potential trouble spots.
Operational and Logistical Arrangements
Abdul Kareem emphasized completing all operational, logistical, transport, traffic, and anti-riot arrangements according to the set timeline. He directed senior police officers to personally visit procession routes, Imambargahs, and sensitive locations to review security and traffic arrangements. He also ordered removal of encroachments, road repairs, and ensuring street lights are functional in coordination with district administration.
He further directed formulation of a comprehensive security strategy for Majalis and processions across the province, including Lahore. RPOs and DPOs should review procession routes and ensure timely completion of arrangements with district administration. CTD, Special Branch, Traffic Police, Dolphin Force, and PRU, along with other field formations, should perform their duties responsibly.
Support from Army and Rangers
During the Ashura days, Punjab Police will have full support from the Pakistan Army, Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies. Additional force will be deployed at sensitive locations across the province, including Lahore. The IG also directed revision of Muharram security orders and special focus on flashpoints and trouble spots.
To enhance citizens' sense of security, search, sweep, and combing operations along with flag marches will be conducted in sensitive areas. Cyber patrolling and monitoring will be increased to prevent sectarianism, religious hatred, and incitement on social media. Strict legal action will be taken against those spreading hateful content without discrimination.
Strict Enforcement of Regulations
IG Punjab clarified that processions and Majalis will only be allowed on designated routes and locations across all districts, including Lahore. Strict enforcement of the Loudspeaker Act will be ensured. He also directed strict monitoring of individuals listed in the Fourth Schedule and effective use of CCTV cameras, metal detectors, and walk-through gates at sensitive locations.
Muharram control rooms should remain active in all districts and maintain 24-hour contact with the central control room at the Central Police Office. The meeting was attended via video link by CCPO Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana, Additional IG South Punjab Muhammad Kamran Khan, Additional IG Special Branch, Additional IG CTD, all RPOs, CPOs, and DPOs. Additional IG Operations Punjab Muhammad Ali Nekokara, RPO Sheikhupura Athar Ismail Amjad, AIG Operations Zahid Nawaz Marwat, and AIG Admin & Security Farooq Sultan were present in the meeting.
