* Comprehensive security measures taken for Muharram: minister
* Punjab Police to ensure foolproof security for Muharram processions: IG Punjab
* Punjab sets up 24-hour Muharram control room in Civil Secretariat
* Security beefed up around imambargahs
IG Punjab: Inspector General of Police (IG) Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar said that the Punjab Police has finalized security arrangements for Muharram gatherings and processions across all districts, including Lahore. Talking to a private news channel, Dr. Anwar said that an extensive security strategy was developed to ensure the safety of processions and assemblies throughout the province. He assured that all districts would receive foolproof security measures during Muharram. He said, more than 38,000 Majlis and over 10,700 processions were scheduled to take place in the province during the 10th of Muharram. To manage this, more than 457,000 officers and security personnel will be deployed from the 1st to the 10th of Muharram. “In the provincial capital alone, more than 28,000 officers and officials will be on duty each day of Ushra Muharram to ensure security,” Dr. Anwar stated. He highlighted that over 66,000 volunteers will assist in securing the assemblies, while 45,000 volunteers will support the processions. He said personnel from the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Special Branch, Traffic Police, Dolphin Force, and Peru, along with other field formations, will also be involved in the security operations.
Dr. Anwar noted that 633 locations across Punjab, including 283 in Lahore, have been identified as flash points. Among these, 54 places in Lahore are classified as highly sensitive, and 229 as sensitive, warranting the deployment of additional personnel. Control Room: In preparation for Muharram, the Punjab Home Department has inaugurated a dedicated control room at the Civil Secretariat to oversee security arrangements across districts. Announced in an official statement, the control room will operate round-the-clock, connecting with district control rooms to monitor security during the sacred month. Operational from 1st Muharram, the initiative aims to enhance vigilance amidst security concerns. Staffed in shifts and overseen by a Grade 17 officer, the control room is poised to receive visits from Punjab’s Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and Home Secretary during Muharram. This proactive measure underscores Punjab’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for Muharram observances throughout the province.
Imambargahs: In preparation for Muharram, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran has mandated increased security measures around main imambargahs in Lahore. To ensure safety, blockades have been set up at multiple locations including seven in City Division, five in Cantt Division, eight in Civil Lines Divisionm, five in Iqbal Town, six in Sadar Division, several checkpoints at Model Town Division. Security personnel are conducting thorough checks at these locations to monitor and control the movement of individuals and vehicles. Additionally, strict security is being provided to 36 significant imambargahs across the city. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran has directed the police officials to remain alert and keep a close watch on any suspicious persons or items to prevent any distressing incidents.
(Daily Dawn)
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