Punjab Police maintained a high state of 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 being held across Punjab on Thursday, including 208 Category-A processions and 337 Category-A Majalis, the spokesperson added. In Lahore, 81 mourning processions and 386 Majalis took place under strict security arrangements, with 26 Category-A processions and 46 Category-A Majalis.
IGP Directs Enhanced Security Measures
Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Kareem directed officers to further strengthen security measures and ensure strict implementation of Section 144 across the province. He stated that more than 152,000 police officers and personnel had been deployed for security duties during Ashura, with all available resources being utilized to maintain peace and public safety. The IGP urged field formations to remain vigilant against hostile and extremist elements, emphasizing that the peaceful observance of Muharram events would be ensured through close coordination among community leaders, district administrations, and security agencies.
Modern Surveillance and Deployment Strategy
Abdul Kareem said that RPOs, CPOs, DPOs, and traffic officers were personally supervising security and traffic arrangements, while monitoring was being carried out through the Punjab Home Department, Safe Cities Authority, and district control rooms. CCTV cameras, walk-through gates, metal detectors, and other modern equipment were being used to strengthen security checks. Snipers had been deployed on rooftops along procession routes, and plainclothes commandos were accompanying major processions to counter any potential threats.
Appeal for Inter-Sect Harmony and Ban on Pillion Riding
The IGP urged religious scholars and community leaders to continue promoting inter-sect harmony, tolerance, and brotherhood during Muharram. He also acknowledged the support of provincial ministers, religious scholars, armed forces, Rangers, and other security agencies in maintaining peace. The ban on pillion riding remained in force across the province, with exceptions only for senior citizens, women, and law enforcement personnel, as part of the overall security plan.
