Ashra-e-Muharram Begins: Punjab Police Enforce Strict Security Measures Across the Province

Inspector General of Police Punjab Abdul Kareem said that security will remain on high alert across Lahore and the entire province during Ashra-e-Muharram, and strict security arrangements have been ensured for Muharram-ul-Haram. IG Punjab said that full implementation of Section 144 imposed by the Government of Punjab will be ensured. Punjab Police spokesperson said that on the 1st of Muharram, more than 30,000 officers and personnel across the province, including Lahore, performed security duties for processions and gatherings (majalis) while in the provincial capital Lahore, more than 3,000 police officers and personnel were deployed for security duty. Punjab Police spokesperson further said that 96 mourning processions and 3,448 gatherings (majalis) were held across the province, while in Lahore, 10 mourning processions were taken out and 411 gatherings (majalis) were held on the occasion of the 1st of Muharram. More than 15,000 community volunteers are also assisting in the security arrangements of gatherings (majalis) and mourning processions across the province.

IG Punjab Abdul Kareem said that aerial firing, display of weapons, dissemination of hate material, and provocation are strictly prohibited. Processions and gatherings will not be allowed at any place other than the designated routes and locations. All activities are being fully monitored with the help of cameras of the Safe Cities Authority and district administration. IG Punjab said that CTD, Special Branch, Traffic Police, Dolphin Squad, and other field formations including PRU are deployed on Muharram security duty. He directed officers to strictly ensure implementation of the Loudspeaker Act and to take effective action against lawbreakers involved in the dissemination of hateful content on social media. IG Punjab Abdul Kareem further directed that RPOs and DPOs should remain in constant contact with organizers of mourning processions and gatherings (majalis), community leaders, and religious scholars. He said that control rooms established in all districts are linked with the central control room of the Central Police Office and remain in continuous contact to monitor the security situation.

(Daily Notable)