LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that, by the grace of Allah, Muharram was held peacefully, with dignity and in an organized manner across the province for the second consecutive year.
In a message posted on X, the chief minister expressed gratitude and congratulated the entire Punjab team on the peaceful conduct of Muharram processions and Majalis.
She praised provincial ministers, MPAs, district administrations across Punjab, Punjab police, law enforcement agencies, Rescue 1122, Suthra Punjab teams, the health department and the local government department for working tirelessly round the clock to ensure effective arrangements.
The CM Punjab said the measures taken to provide relief to mourners during the intense heat were exemplary. She noted that cold water stalls had been set up across the province, rose water was sprinkled along procession routes, and smog guns were used to spray water, providing significant relief from the scorching weather.
She said Suthra Punjab teams had ensured exemplary cleanliness arrangements along the routes of Majalis and processions, setting a new benchmark for sanitation and public service.
The chief minister said the coordination and teamwork displayed by all departments was a matter of pride.
Despite the sweltering heat during the sacred days of Muharram, Punjab police personnel remained deployed on the streets, she said, adding that the police, including traffic personnel, performed their duties with dedication and ensured complete security for mourners without regard for the harsh weather conditions.
CM Punjab said Ashura passed peacefully and safely due to the professionalism, commitment and day-and-night efforts of police officers and personnel.
She also paid tribute to all officials who prioritised public service in the extreme weather, saying, “You are our pride. Keep up the excellent work.”
Moreover, Punjab remained on high alert on Yaum-i-Ashur as the provincial government enforced a newly developed three-tier administrative and security model to maintain law and order across the province on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
The chief minister directed the authorities to ensure foolproof security as well as comprehensive care for mourners during Muharram.
For the first time, an AI-based security plan incorporating drones, body cameras and other modern technologies was implemented. Under the plan, security and surveillance of Majalis and mourning processions have been carried out across the province for the past eight days.
On the chief minister’s directives, not only the civil administration but the entire Punjab cabinet and provincial ministers remained on field duty to facilitate and assist mourners of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
More than 100,000 police personnel, 61 companies of the Pakistan army and 76 companies of Rangers have been deployed to secure over 47,000 Majalis and processions across Punjab. More than 30,000 trained volunteers have also assisted in security arrangements.
The Provincial Intelligence Centre at the Home Department remained operational round the clock, while all processions and Majalis were monitored through live CCTV feeds on a digital wall.
For the first time, around 5,000 Imambargahs across Punjab were linked through QR codes.
All hospitals in the province remained on high alert, while clinics on wheels, field hospitals, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence teams and volunteers stayed on the ground to provide medical assistance and emergency services.
Cyber patrolling was also carried out to curb hate speech, sectarian content and incitement.
More than 6,000 objectionable social media accounts and posts were reported to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
To ensure uninterrupted communication and coordination despite suspension of mobile networks, the Punjab government launched its own LTE network.
Provincial and district-level control units remained on high alert, while live and geo-tagged video monitoring continued throughout the province.
Real-time surveillance was conducted through more than 5,500 CCTV cameras, the Safe City system and private cameras. In addition, over 1,000 modern 4G event cameras were installed at highly sensitive locations.
So far, 43 targeted intelligence-based operations have been conducted across the province.
A hotline remained operational between the Punjab government and Ittehad Bain-ul-Muslimeen to promote harmony and maintain law and order, while the Punjab Information Technology Board ensured regular updates and briefings through its e-portal.
“The martyrdom of the beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is a sorrow shared by the entire Muslim Ummah. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring security and serving the mourners on this sacred occasion,” Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026