The Punjab Home department has unveiled a comprehensive security plan for Muharram-ul-Haram, emphasizing that only approved and licensed processions and religious gatherings (majalis) will be permitted across the province. The move is part of stringent measures aimed at maintaining law and order during the sacred month.
Foolproof Security Arrangements
According to official directives issued on Friday, foolproof security arrangements will be ensured for all imambargahs and Muharram processions throughout Punjab. All processions and majalis will be held strictly according to approved schedules, traditional routes, and official permissions, while unauthorized gatherings will not be allowed.
A spokesperson for the Punjab Home department said special security measures would be implemented at sensitive locations, key installations, markets, and other crowded public places. Major procession routes and adjoining areas will undergo thorough security inspections, while comprehensive traffic management plans will be put in place. Parking facilities will be established at least 500 yards away from imambargahs to enhance security.
Vetting of Arrangements
The department has also directed that all arrangements for niyaz, langar, and sabeels must be vetted by the Special Branch, the Punjab Food Authority, and other relevant departments before being allowed to operate. To strengthen security, authorities have been instructed to ensure the installation and operation of CCTV cameras, walk-through gates, metal detectors, and physical frisking at venues. Multi-layered security arrangements will be deployed for all sensitive processions and majalis. Female police officers will also be assigned specifically for the security of women mourners.
Regulations for Speakers and Recording
The Home department emphasized that speakers at religious gatherings will not be permitted to make objectionable remarks against any sect or religious school of thought. Audio and video recording of all processions and majalis will be conducted, while flag marches and visits to sensitive areas will be carried out by law enforcement agencies. Volunteers assisting in security duties will receive proper training and must obtain Special Branch clearance before deployment. Signal jammers may also be used on routes of highly sensitive processions where deemed necessary.
Monitoring and Surveillance
Authorities have been instructed to monitor hotels, inns, guest houses, bus terminals, and rented accommodations through the Hotel Eye and Travel Eye systems. Shops and markets located along procession routes will remain closed after security clearance checks, while snipers will be deployed at designated locations as an additional security measure. The spokesperson said station house officers (SHOs) would obtain written certificates from procession organizers confirming satisfactory security arrangements.
Comprehensive checking of individuals, vehicles, and luggage will be conducted at Punjab's entry and exit points. Drone surveillance along inter-provincial borders and riverine areas has also been ordered to be further enhanced. Security plans for Chinese nationals, foreign missions, and consulates will be implemented in letter and spirit during Muharram.
Contingency Plans and Reporting
All district administrations have been directed to submit detailed contingency plans to the Home Department, while the Inspector General of Police will provide daily reports on intelligence-based operations, search operations, and surprise inspections. The department has also instructed authorities to share data on stolen vehicles with motorway and traffic police to prevent their possible use in illegal activities.
Zero Tolerance Policy
Security at all places of worship, including those belonging to minority communities, is to be strengthened. A strict zero-tolerance policy will be enforced against violations of the Loudspeaker Act, while the public display of firearms will remain completely banned across Punjab. Authorities have also been directed to closely monitor individuals listed under the Fourth Schedule and those linked to proscribed organizations.
The spokesperson said cyber monitoring mechanisms had been further strengthened to curb the spread of extremist, sectarian, and anti-public order content. District administrations have been instructed to identify provocative speakers and impose restrictions, including movement bans and speaking prohibitions, where necessary.
Emergency Preparedness
Fire brigades, bomb disposal squads, Rescue 1122 services, uninterrupted electricity supply, and adequate stocks of medicines will remain available throughout Muharram. Hospitals have been placed on high alert, while field hospitals and mobile clinics will also be deployed. To ensure rapid response to any emergency, divisional and district control rooms will remain operational round the clock and linked with a central control room.
