LAHORE: Inspector General of Police Punjab, Abdul Kareem, has directed that security measures be further strengthened across the province on the occasion of Ashura Muharram-ul-Haram.
He said that Punjab police are performing its duties on high alert to ensure the peaceful conduct of mourning processions and Majalis. He emphasized that no compromise will be made on the security of processions, Majalis, and mourners.
The IG Punjab directed all field officers to personally supervise security and traffic arrangements and ensure the deployment of additional personnel at sensitive locations.
IG Punjab Abdul Kareem said that more than 152,000 officers and personnel will perform security duties across the province on Ashura, while full implementation of the security plan is being ensured in all districts.
Punjab police spokesperson said that on the 9th of Muharram, 1,697 mourning processions were taken out and 3,869 Majalis were held across Punjab, including Lahore.
More than 70,000 police officers and personnel were deployed for their security. Special security arrangements were made for 208 Category-A processions and 337 Category-A Majalis.
In the provincial capital, Lahore, 81 mourning processions were taken out and 386 Majalis were held, including 26 Category-A processions and 46 Category-A majalis. Strict security arrangements were ensured at all these locations.
IG Punjab Abdul Kareem directed that strict vigilance be maintained against the activities of miscreant elements, including Fitna Al-Khawarij and Fitna Al-Hindustan. He further directed that full implementation of the code of conduct and Section 144 be ensured.
He said that the peaceful observance of Ashura would be ensured through the cooperation of community leaders, district administration, religious scholars, and security agencies. The IG Punjab also urged religious scholars and community leaders to play an effective role in promoting inter-sect harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect so that an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood may prevail.
He said that RPOs, CPOs, DPOs, and traffic officers are present in the field and personally supervising security and traffic arrangements, while continuous monitoring of the security situation is being carried out through the Home Department, Safe Cities Authority, and control rooms established in all districts.
The IG Punjab further said that security screening has been made more effective through CCTV cameras, walk-through gates, metal detectors, and other modern equipment. Snipers have been deployed on rooftops of important buildings located along procession routes, while plainclothes commandos are also performing duties alongside the processions.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026