Beginning of Muharram: Punjab Police’s Strict Security Arrangements Across the Province, Including Lahore
Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, has said that the Punjab Police will ensure strict security arrangements across the province, including the provincial capital, Lahore, during Muharram. The Punjab Police has adopted a better and more comprehensive strategy than before for the security of mourning processions and gatherings held in all districts.
The IG Punjab stated that full security will be provided to more than 38,000 gatherings and over 9,200 mourning processions during Muharram. Over the ten days of Muharram, more than 232,000 officers and personnel have been deployed on security duty across the province, including Lahore. More than 28,000 officers and personnel are deployed specifically for Muharram security duty in Lahore. Over 53,000 personnel are providing security for Majalis, while 38,000 volunteers are assisting in the security arrangements for mourning processions. All field formations, including CTD, Special Branch, Traffic Police, Dolphin Squad, and Peru, are actively performing their duties under the Muharram security plan. The IG Punjab emphasized that scholars of all schools of thought and community leaders should promote peace and understanding during Muharram. Any nefarious attempts by anti-national elements to spread discord or disrupt peace must be countered through inter-religious harmony. Processions and Majalis will not be allowed outside the approved routes and locations in any district, including Lahore.
Strict enforcement of Section 144 and the Loudspeaker Act is being ensured. In view of potential provocations and the risk of religious hatred, individuals included in the Fourth Schedule are being closely monitored. There is strict implementation of the Punjab Government’s security SOPs, including restrictions on language and detention procedures. Surveillance of sensitive locations is being carried out using CCTV cameras of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. Metal detectors and walk-through gates are also being used for thorough checking. The IG Punjab further stated that those involved in spreading hateful content on social media, wall chalking, and displaying unauthorized banners and posters should be taken into custody. Dr. Usman Anwar also noted that the CCPO Lahore, RPOs, CPOs, and DPOs are personally monitoring the Muharram security arrangements. Muharram control rooms are operational in all districts in and are in constant contact with the Central Control Room of the Central Police Office, operating 24 hours a day.
(Handout No. 675)
Syed Mubasher Hussain
Director Public Relations
Punjab Police
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