Punjab Police on High Alert for Ashura to Ensure Peaceful Conduct of Processions and Majalis
More than 147,000 officers and personnel will perform security duties across the province on 9th and 10th Muharram – IG Punjab
Flag marches, search, sweep, and combing operations by Punjab Police continue across the province in view of Ashura Muharram – Punjab Police Spokesperson
During last 24 hours, 35 incidents of uploading objectionable and hateful content on social media platforms were reported, 20 cases were registered for sharing such content, resulting in the arrest of 22 lawbreakers – Punjab Police Spokesperson
On the directives of Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, a comprehensive security plan has been finalized to ensure the peaceful conduct of mourning processions and Majalis during Ashura Muharram-ul-Haram. According to details, more than 147,000 officers and personnel of Punjab Police will perform security duties across the province on 9th and 10th Muharram. In Lahore, more than 10,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed for the security of mourning processions and Majalis. IG Punjab said that with the cooperation of religious scholars, community leaders, security agencies, and institutions, the peaceful organization of Ashura will be ensured.
Punjab Police spokesperson shared that on Ashura, 4,418 mourning processions will be taken out across the province and 6,667 Majalis will be held. In the provincial capital, 125 mourning processions will be taken out and 605 Majalis will be held. Across the province, more than 62,000 community volunteers will assist in the security arrangements of Majalis and mourning processions on Ashura.
While providing details about the security arrangements for 8th Muharram-ul-Haram, the Punjab Police spokesperson said that more than 58,000 officers and personnel performed security duties for mourning processions and Majalis across the province, including Lahore. On the eighth day of Muharram-ul-Haram, more than 3,600 police officers and personnel were deployed for security duty in the provincial capital. Across the province, 1,365 mourning processions and 3,940 Majalis were held. In Lahore, on the occasion of 8th Muharram, 86 mourning processions were taken out and 416 Majalis were held. Across the province, more than 27,000 community volunteers assisted in the security arrangements for Majalis and mourning processions.
IG Punjab said that during the first ten days of Muharram-ul-Haram, security will remain on high alert throughout the province. Implementation of Section 144 imposed by the Government of Punjab is being ensured. IG Punjab said that aerial firing, display of weapons, promotion of hateful content, and incitement are prohibited. According to the Code of Conduct, processions and Majalis are not allowed at any place other than the designated and approved routes and venues. All activities are being closely monitored through cameras of Safe Cities Authority and district administration. CTD, Special Branch, Traffic Police, Dolphin Squad, and PERU along with other field formations are deployed on Muharram security duty. Dr. Usman Anwar directed officers to ensure strict implementation of the Loudspeaker Act. Crackdown against those promoting hateful content on social media must be ensured. IG Punjab said that control rooms established in all districts are connected with the Central Police Office control room and remain in constant contact. RPOs, CPOs, and DPOs should themselves go into the field and monitor the security arrangements for Youm-e-Ashura. Dr. Usman Anwar said that people of all schools of thought should promote religious harmony, tolerance, and forbearance.
Punjab Police spokesperson said that actions by Punjab Police against those promoting objectionable content on social media are also ongoing, under which in the last 24 hours, 35 incidents of uploading objectionable and hateful content on social media platforms were reported, and 20 cases were registered for sharing objectionable content, resulting in the arrest of 22 lawbreakers. 22 incidents were reported on Facebook, 5 on WhatsApp, and 8 on other social media platforms. It should be noted that in the past 5 days, 103 cases have been registered and 119 individuals have been arrested for sharing objectionable content on social media. IG Punjab said that individuals involved in religious hatred, incitement, and sectarianism on social media do not deserve any leniency.
Earlier, on the instructions of IG Punjab, Punjab Police conducted flag marches across the province including Lahore in the context of Ashura Muharram-ul-Haram. District police, Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit, Elite Force, and Traffic Police mobile vehicles and personnel participated in the flag marches. Dr. Usman Anwar said that the purpose of flag marches, search, sweep, and combing operations is to create a sense of security among the citizens.
(Handout No. 711)
Syed Mubasher Hussain
Director Public Relations
Punjab Police
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