Punjab launches a province-wide security and surveillance operation for Muharram, combining law enforcement personnel, cyber monitoring, and advanced communication systems to ensure public safety during Ashura.
LAHORE: Punjab has rolled out one of its largest-ever security operations for Muharram, deploying more than 124,000 police personnel alongside military and paramilitary forces to maintain peace and safeguard religious gatherings across the province.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif personally reviewed security arrangements during a visit to the Provincial Intelligence Centre on Wednesday, where she monitored real-time surveillance systems ahead of Ashura.
Officials said the province has established a centralized intelligence framework connecting deputy commissioners, district police chiefs, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement departments through an integrated digital network. The system is designed to improve coordination and response times during Muharram processions and gatherings.
As part of efforts to prevent sectarian tensions, authorities have activated a dedicated cyber patrolling unit to monitor online activity and identify inflammatory content. According to officials, more than 6,000 social media accounts and pages containing objectionable material have been reported to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority for action during the current month.
Punjab has also introduced advanced safety measures, including 4,836 QR-coded panic buttons installed at Imambargahs to provide direct emergency access in remote or crowded locations. An LTE-based communication system has been activated to ensure uninterrupted coordination even if cellular services face restrictions.
Meanwhile, Section 144 has been imposed across the province, banning commercial drones, weapon displays, wall-chalking, unauthorized loudspeaker use, and rooftop access along procession routes. Restrictions on motorcycle pillion riding will also remain in place on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
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