Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, accompanied by Provincial Ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique and Bilal Yaseen, along with Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, conducted a comprehensive security review visit to the Bibi Pak Daman Shrine, the Punjab Safe City Authority, and the Home Department’s Provincial Control Room in Lahore. The delegation assessed security arrangements and visitor facilities at the shrine, inspected entry and exit routes, and interacted with visitors to gauge the effectiveness of the measures.
Visitor Feedback and Security Briefing
Visitors at the shrine expressed appreciation for the initiatives undertaken by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif regarding Muharram-ul-Haram. Following the shrine visit, the senior minister proceeded to the Punjab Safe City Control Room, where Inspector General of Punjab Police, the Home Secretary, the CCPO Lahore, and the Managing Director of Safe City provided a detailed briefing on security measures. The officials highlighted that foolproof security arrangements were being monitored from the Safe Cities Authority Control Room, with a high alert maintained across the province.
Technology-Driven Surveillance
Marriyum Aurangzeb stated, “Under the leadership of the Punjab Chief Minister, Punjab Safe City is utilizing modern practices and advanced technology.” During the briefing, officials reported that over 400 panic buttons were active and all security agencies were on alert. Safe City remains in 24/7 contact with commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab. A total of 130 drones and more than 5,600 cameras were being deployed to monitor Muharram processions. Continuous round-the-clock surveillance was conducted in Lahore and all other districts under the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Digital Monitoring of Processions
Category-A procession routes, flashpoints, and the head and tail positions of processions were being closely monitored through advanced digital systems. Police officers in the field received live camera feeds and security alerts via LTE handsets. QR-code panic buttons enabled immediate communication between Imambargah administrations and the Safe City Control Room. The senior minister also visited the Home Department’s Provincial Control Room, where deputy commissioners from across Punjab provided live briefings on the security situation. She reviewed the effective use of smog guns through the media wall.
High Alert and Resource Utilization
All Smart Safe City Operation Centers were functioning on high alert during Muharram-ul-Haram. Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized, “All available resources are being utilized to protect the lives and property of mourners and to ensure a peaceful environment.” She added that under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Safe Punjab” vision, a secure environment was being provided for mourners. She further stated that historic initiatives and arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram were being implemented under the supervision of the Chief Minister. Muharram security had been further strengthened through modern technology, smart surveillance, and digital monitoring.
