LAHORE : Punjab Police deployed more than 31,000 officers and personnel across the province to ensure security for mourning processions and majalis on the fourth of Muharram-ul-Haram.
According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, 278 mourning processions and 3,907 majalis were held across the province on 4 Muharram. In Lahore, 17 processions were taken out and 412 majalis were organised. More than 23,000 community volunteers assisted police in security arrangements.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Punjab, Abdul Kareem said security would remain on high alert throughout the first 10 days of Muharram and strict implementation of Section 144 would be ensured. He said aerial firing, display of weapons, dissemination of hate material and other provocative activities were strictly prohibited.
The IGP said no procession or majlis would be allowed outside approved routes and designated venues. He maintained that activities were being monitored through cameras installed by the Safe Cities Authority and district administrations.
He said the Counter Terrorism Department, Special Branch, Traffic Police, Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit and other field formations had been deployed for Muharram security duties. Strict enforcement of the Loudspeaker Act and action against those spreading hate material on social media would also be ensured.
Abdul Kareem said district control rooms had been linked with the Central Control Room at the Central Police Office to maintain round-the-clock coordination.
Over 13,500 questioned during search operations
Punjab Police intensified search and intelligence-based operations across the province during Muharram, questioning more than 13,500 individuals during the last 24 hours.
A Punjab Police spokesperson said 426 search operations were conducted across the province, during which 13,524 suspicious persons were checked. As a result, 32 suspects were arrested and 24 cases were registered.
Inspector General of Police Punjab Abdul Kareem said operations against anti-state elements, criminals and miscreants would continue throughout Muharram to maintain law and order.
He directed field officers to further strengthen search operations and closely monitor suspicious activities to ensure the peaceful conduct of mourning processions and majalis across the province.
