Punjab Minister for Communications and Works Malik Sohaib Ahmed Barth on Thursday reviewed security arrangements for the 10th of Muharram processions and gatherings in Rawalpindi. Chairing a high-level meeting at the commissioner's office, the minister assessed the main Ashura procession route and ordered foolproof security. The meeting was attended by MNA Tahira Aurangzeb, Commissioner Rawalpindi Engineer Aamir Khattak, Regional Police Officer Babar Sarfraz Alpa, and other senior officials.
Zero-Tolerance Policy for Muharram Code of Conduct
Barth emphasized that maintaining peace and order is a collective responsibility for national stability. He stated that excellent security arrangements are being ensured across Punjab and a zero-tolerance policy has been adopted against any violation of the Muharram code of conduct. Following the directives of the Chief Minister of Punjab, a special cleanliness drive must be maintained along procession routes and majalis venues. The availability of cold drinking water stalls (sabeels), facilitation centers, and restrooms for mourners must be guaranteed. Additionally, uninterrupted civic amenities such as cleanliness, streetlights, and drainage systems along the routes must be ensured.
Aerial Surveillance and Anti-Drone Systems Deployed
Barth announced that a foolproof security plan will be implemented during Muharram-ul-Haram. Aerial surveillance of processions and sensitive locations will be conducted via helicopters, and an anti-drone system will be installed. Mobile jamming arrangements will be made at sensitive locations and specific procession routes. The minister stated that all officers, including himself, will remain in the field until the conclusion of the processions.
155 Processions and 1,332 Majalis Held So Far
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi and CPO Rawalpindi briefed the minister, revealing that from the 1st to the 8th of Muharram, a total of 155 processions and 1,332 majalis had already been held. The main procession of the 10th of Muharram will emerge from Imambargah Aashiq Hussain, Teli Mohallah, and conclude at Imambargah Qadimi. It will include four different processions coming from Imambargah Hifazat Ali Shah, Imambargah Shaheedan-e-Karbela, Imambargah Shah Chan Chiragh, and Imambargah Yaadgar-e-Hussain. The procession of the 11th of Muharram will emerge from Naseerabad, pass through Chuhur Chowk, and conclude at Imambargah Sakhi Shah Piyara.
Triple-Layer Security and Modern Control Rooms
The briefing highlighted that a triple-layer security system comprising police, Rangers, and Army has been deployed. Two modern video monitoring control rooms have been established—one at the Punjab Safe Cities Authority and the other at the Municipal Corporation Rawalpindi office. Continuous monitoring of processions, majalis, and key locations will be carried out through these control rooms.
Traffic Plan and Emergency Preparedness
The Commissioner Rawalpindi directed that the traffic plan be effectively implemented and citizens be informed of alternative routes in a timely manner to minimize public inconvenience. He emphasized that all relevant departments must keep their emergency and rescue plans active and maintain full preparedness to deal with any unusual situation. It was shared during the briefing that 57 ambulances will be deployed by rescue and health institutions. To handle any emergency, along with government hospitals, 537 beds have been kept ready in private hospitals. Medical aid camps and facilitation centers will also be set up at the venues of processions and majalis.
Social Media Monitoring and Sectarian Harmony
The meeting also reviewed social media monitoring, continuous contact with peace committees and other stakeholders, surveillance of suspicious activities, and measures to promote sectarian harmony. The briefing concluded by stating that Section 144 will remain enforced across the district, and strict surveillance will be kept on the activities of 14 individuals listed under the Fourth Schedule to ensure law and order is maintained at all costs.
