Punjab authorities have activated a province-wide security and traffic management strategy, deploying tens of thousands of personnel and enforcing strict restrictions to ensure peaceful Muharram observances.
RAWALPINDI/LAHORE: Authorities across Punjab have placed the province on high alert as Muharram-ul-Haram commenced, unveiling comprehensive security and traffic plans aimed at ensuring the peaceful conduct of religious processions and gatherings throughout the Ashura period.
More than 30,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed across Punjab to safeguard religious events, while over 15,000 community volunteers are assisting law enforcement agencies. Centralized control rooms and advanced surveillance systems have also been activated to monitor activities in real time.
In Lahore, authorities reported heightened security for 10 processions and hundreds of majalis on the first day of Muharram. Officials confirmed that sanitation, route management, and facilitation arrangements had been completed in advance, while multiple monitoring centers remained operational around the clock.
Punjab Police announced that strict enforcement measures are being implemented under directives from provincial leadership. Section 144 has been imposed across the province from the 1st to the 10th of Muharram, allowing only pre-approved processions and gatherings while prohibiting unauthorized assemblies, demonstrations, weapon displays, and activities that could disrupt public order.
The restrictions also ban sectarian speeches, provocative slogans, rooftop gatherings along procession routes, and the accumulation of materials that could pose security risks. A ban on motorcycle double riding will be enforced specifically on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, with exemptions for women, senior citizens, and law enforcement personnel.
In Rawalpindi, a detailed security strategy has been rolled out with more than 7,000 police personnel assigned to protect 475 processions and 2,201 majalis. Traffic police have also deployed over 980 wardens to manage diversions and maintain emergency corridors for ambulances and rescue services.
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