PUNJAB FINALIZES SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS FOR MUHARRAM

With the advent of Muharram on Monday (today), the Punjab police have finalized comprehensive security arrangements to protect processions and Majalis throughout the province.

A total of 10,700 processions and 38,000 Majalis are expected to take place in the province. Over 215,000 officers and personnel will be on security duty, with more than 28,000 specifically deployed in Lahore.

Rangers and the Pakistan Army, along with other government security institutions, will assist the police in ensuring a peaceful Muharram.

Additionally, over 66,000 community volunteers and 45,000 other volunteers will contribute to the security of Muharram processions.

Various field formations, including the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Special Branch, Traffic Police, Dolphin Squad, and Peru, will perform their duties as part of the security plan.

Across the province, 633 points have been identified as flashpoints, with 283 in Lahore alone.

In Lahore, 54 locations are deemed extremely sensitive, and 229 are sensitive, with additional personnel deployed accordingly.

Province-wide, 586 locations are classified as sensitive, and 146 as extremely sensitive. Police will ensure the strict implementation of Section 144 during Ashura, whereas bans on aerial firing, weapon displays, hate speech, and incitement will be strictly ensured.

The Punjab government has also imposed a ban on pillion riding from Muharram 7 to Muharram 10.