Punjab Police remained on high alert across the province on the 9th of Muharram, deploying more than 70,000 officers and personnel to ensure the peaceful conduct of mourning processions and Majalis. According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, a total of 1,697 mourning processions and 3,869 Majalis were held across the province, including 208 Category-A processions and 337 Category-A Majalis that received enhanced security coverage.
Security Arrangements in Lahore
In Lahore, authorities implemented comprehensive security arrangements for 81 processions and 386 Majalis, including 26 Category-A processions and 46 Category-A Majalis. The provincial capital saw a significant police presence, with senior officers personally supervising the security and traffic management.
IGP's Directives for Enhanced Security
Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Kareem directed officers to strengthen security measures further and ensure strict enforcement of Section 144 throughout the province during Muharram. He stated that more than 152,000 police officers and personnel had been assigned security duties during Ashura, with all available resources being utilized to maintain law and order and safeguard the public. The IGP instructed field formations to remain vigilant against potential threats and emphasized close coordination among community leaders, district administrations, and security institutions to ensure peaceful observance of Muharram events.
Deployment and Monitoring
Senior police officers, including RPOs, CPOs, DPOs, and traffic officials, personally supervised security and traffic management arrangements, while monitoring continued through control rooms operated by the Punjab Home Department, Safe Cities Authority, and district administrations. Authorities also employed modern security technologies, including CCTV surveillance, walk-through gates, metal detectors, and other screening equipment. Snipers were positioned at strategic locations along procession routes, while plainclothes commandos accompanied major gatherings to enhance security.
Appeal for Interfaith Harmony
Abdul Kareem appealed to religious scholars and community leaders to continue promoting interfaith harmony, tolerance, and unity during Muharram. He also appreciated the cooperation of provincial authorities, religious leaders, the armed forces, Rangers, and other security agencies in maintaining peace across Punjab. The police chief further noted that restrictions on pillion riding remained in effect across the province, with exemptions granted to women, senior citizens, and law enforcement personnel.
