Rawalpindi law enforcement agencies have implemented comprehensive security arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram across the region. A total of 4,813 majalis and 1,065 processions are scheduled from the 1st to the 30th of Muharram.
Security Deployment Details
According to a spokesperson for Regional Police Officer (RPO) Babar Sarfaraz Apla, between the 1st and 10th of Muharram, 4,376 majalis and 759 processions will take place. Over 14,000 police officers and personnel from the Rawalpindi region will be deployed for security duties during this period.
Special control rooms have been established at regional and district levels to ensure effective monitoring and information sharing. Strict adherence to the code of conduct and standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the Punjab government will be enforced, stated RPO Alpa. All officers and personnel have been instructed to remain highly alert and ensure strict monitoring of sensitive areas, Imambargahs, and procession routes. Full coordination with other law enforcement agencies will be maintained.
Enhanced Surveillance and Operations
The RPO further highlighted that monitoring through Safe City cameras, search operations, sweep and combing activities, and intelligence-based operations will be intensified. He warned of severe legal action against anyone spreading religious hatred or inflammatory content on social media.
Separately, the office of City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani stated that over 7,000 police officers and personnel, including lady police, will be deployed at majalis and processions. Additionally, more than 1,000 trained volunteers will assist in security duties, having undergone special training at Rawalpindi police headquarters.
According to the CPO, foolproof security will be provided for 475 processions and 2,201 majalis during Muharram-ul-Haram. A special control room has been set up at Safe City Rawalpindi, and social media is under strict surveillance to counter sectarian hatred.
Traffic Management Plan
The office of Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rawalpindi Farhan Aslam announced a detailed traffic plan to facilitate the public during processions and majalis. Over 980 traffic police officers and personnel will perform duties during Muharram-ul-Haram. In coordination with district police, traffic will be diverted to alternative routes during the hours of majalis and processions. Additional personnel have been deployed to ensure smooth traffic flow on these alternative routes. Specific routes will be kept clear for ambulances and emergency vehicles. No parking will be allowed near the venues of majalis and processions.
The CTO stated that actions against vehicles without number plates or with tinted windows have been intensified to enhance security during the holy month.
