LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has issued detailed security instructions to ensure peace and safety during Muharram across the province. A central online e-portal has also been launched to monitor all religious processions and gatherings.
According to a department spokesperson, all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) have been directed to upload information about Muharram processions, majalis, restrictions on speeches, and inter-district travel within five days.
They have also been asked to prepare emergency response plans with help from District Intelligence Committees. Updated lists of banned or provocative speakers must be submitted to the Home Department.
The Inspector General of Punjab Police has been asked to suggest whether Army and Rangers should be deployed at sensitive spots. He has also been requested to give recommendations on temporarily suspending mobile services in high-risk areas to prevent misuse during Muharram events.
Special monitoring teams will be set up to stop the illegal use of loudspeakers. Anyone violating the Sound System Regulation Act 2015 will face strict action.
Police and local administrations will identify all sensitive areas and ensure foolproof security arrangements. The Auqaf Department has been told to hold meetings of Interfaith Harmony Committees at the divisional level to promote religious harmony.
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The spokesperson said no event will be allowed at unauthorized places. All gatherings and processions will be closely monitored through the new digital system. Authorities have also been ordered to remove dangerous or low-hanging electric wires along procession routes to prevent accidents.
Strict enforcement of security SOPs and guidelines will be ensured throughout Punjab to maintain law and order during Muharram.
Lahore Police Finalise Security for Muharram, Focus on Community Coordination
Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore, Bilal Siddique Kamyana, chaired a meeting on Friday to review security plans for Muharram and evaluate the performance of Iqbal Town and Saddar police divisions.
He said the safety of mourners and peace during Muharram is the top priority. He instructed police officers to work closely with peace committees to finalise security steps in line with government SOPs.
The CCPO also directed police to provide extra security to the Chinese community living in Lahore. He expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements during PSL matches and Eid-ul-Azha and called for stronger cooperation with the Crime Control Department to fight crime.
He issued strict orders for action against any police officer showing negligence in drug-related investigations. The DIG Investigation was tasked with ensuring accountability.
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Police were also told to follow departmental SOPs and keep regular follow-ups. Officers were urged to help create a drug-free society and take firm action against modern drugs like ice and heroin.
The use of hotel and travel software was recommended to help trace and arrest wanted criminals.
Senior police officials, including DIG Administration Imran Kishwar, DIG Investigation Zeeshan Raza, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran, SSPs, SPs, ASPs, SHOs, and investigation officers from Iqbal Town and Saddar divisions attended the meeting.
SP Iqbal Town Reviews Security at Imambargahs and Routes
Superintendent of Police (SP) Iqbal Town Division, Dr Muhammad Umar, visited Imambargahs and procession routes on Thursday to check security arrangements.
He was accompanied by circle officers, SHOs, and other officials. He directed that mobile patrols and daily search operations be carried out around Imambargahs. He also ordered that parking areas must be located at a safe distance.
Dr Umar instructed officers to monitor suspicious individuals and unattended items closely. He stressed that all security preparations must be completed before Muharram begins.
