LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally reviewed the Muharram security arrangements on Wednesday, taking direct charge of monitoring measures aimed at ensuring the safety, security and convenience of mourners across the province.
During a visit to the Provincial Intelligence Centre at the Civil Secretariat, she inspected live CCTV monitoring of Muharram processions and Majalis and reviewed the operational readiness of security agencies. Deputy commissioners and district police officers from across Punjab participated in the meeting via video link.
Officials briefed the CM on the deployment of modern security mechanisms, including physical and cyber patrolling, QR code-enabled panic button systems, LTE-based communication networks, CCTV surveillance and anti-smog guns along procession routes. Authorities said such integrated arrangements were being implemented on an unprecedented scale during Muharram.
The CM said a modern security framework had been activated throughout Punjab and that the administration, intelligence agencies, police and other law-enforcement institutions were working in close coordination. The chief minister directed authorities to tighten action against individuals involved in spreading sectarianism and hate material. The CM reviewed procession routes in various districts and examined monitoring through Safe City cameras. Emphasising inter-sect harmony, she directed officials to maintain close coordination with religious scholars and stakeholders promoting Muslim unity.
According to the briefing, more than 124,000 Punjab Police personnel have been deployed for Muharram security duties. Personnel from the Pakistan Army and Rangers will assist maintaining security, while a large number of trained volunteers have been mobilised to support law-enforcement agencies. The Digital Media Cell has so far reported more than 6,000 objectionable social media accounts and content items to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority during the current month. Later, Maryam Nawaz held a farewell meeting with 135 young people proceeding abroad after completing training under the Parwaaz Card program. Participants of the programme paid tribute to the chief minister in recognition of her outstanding initiatives.
