The Inspector General (IG) of Punjab has stated that an upgraded and comprehensive security plan has been developed to guarantee peace and order during the first 10 days of Muharram-ul-Haram. According to a Punjab Police official, during Muharram, 47,280 mourning gatherings (majalis) and processions around the province, including Lahore, would have foolproof security.
There will be 9,412 mourning processions and 37,868 majalis. According to police, around 124,000 officers and personnel will be assigned to security duties. More than 73,400 cops will be allocated to protecting processions, while more than 41,200 people will be assigned to the security of majalis. Furthermore, over 9,500 personnel will be on duty at all times to police procession routes and key areas.
All field units, including the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Special Branch, Traffic Police, Dolphin Squad, and PERA, will carry out security duties during Muharram-ul-Haram. The Safe Cities Authority’s cameras will also be used 24/7 to monitor processions and majalis.
The IG Punjab advised that the scholars from all schools of thought, as well as community leaders, should play a role in promoting peace and harmony and preventing sectarian conflict. He continued by saying that strict actions will be taken against miscreants.
He added that via ongoing cooperation with peace committees and the organizers of processions and majalis, problems will be resolved in a timely manner. No procession or gathering will be allowed outside the approved routes and specified areas.
Police authorities said that the Loudspeaker Act and Section 144 will be strictly enforced, and that people on the Fourth Schedule will have their movements closely watched. Additionally, it was stated that pillion riding will be prohibited on Muharram-ul-Haram 9 and 10, with the exception of women, law enforcement officers, and old persons.
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