LAHORE: The Punjab government has finalised a comprehensive security and administrative strategy for Eidul Azha 2026 and Muharram-ul-Haram following a high-level meeting of the Standing Committee of Cabinet on Law and Order, held at the Home Department under the chairmanship of provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, with Bilal Yasin as co-chair.
The meeting reviewed province-wide law and order, intelligence coordination and preparedness plans, with detailed briefings from the Punjab Police, district administrations and intelligence agencies on deployment, crowd management, surveillance and emergency response arrangements for Eid congregations, cattle markets and public gatherings.
Preparations for Muharram were also discussed in detail, including categorisation of processions and majalis, monitoring of sensitive routes, countering hate speech and strengthening coordination with religious scholars and peace committees to maintain sectarian harmony. Security agencies, including the Special Branch, CTD, ISI, IB and MI, presented threat assessments and recommended enhanced surveillance and intelligence-based operations, particularly in sensitive districts.
The committee also reviewed ongoing anti-crime operations in the Katcha areas of south Punjab, with officials reporting progress in action against organised gangs along the Indus River and outlining plans to strengthen infrastructure, policing and state presence in the region.
Extension in deployment of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) for joint operations in Attock and D.G. Khan was also considered, alongside requests for continued support during electoral activities and potential flood emergencies in Muzaffargarh.
Other agenda items included compensation for victims across multiple districts, price control enforcement, formation of new Joint Investigation Teams, progress on ongoing cases, approval of prosecutions under anti-terror laws, and permission for jail trials in 60 sensitive cases.
Officials emphasised coordinated efforts among civil administration, police and intelligence agencies, with directives issued to maintain high alert during Eidul Azha and Muharram and ensure strict implementation of security protocols across the province.
