LAHORE: On the directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, comprehensive security, monitoring and facilitation arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram processions and Majalis have been in place across Punjab for the past eight days, with the provincial administration and law-enforcement agencies on high alert.
According to official figures, Punjab has introduced a new administrative and security model for Muharram this year, combining command-and-control measures with public facilitation initiatives. For the first time, the government has deployed anti-smog guns and sprinkler systems in various districts to spray water along procession routes to provide relief to mourners amid intense heat and humid weather conditions. Cold drinking water arrangements have been made at various locations.
The government said all 4,836 Imambargahs across Punjab have been linked through a QR-code system, enabling authorities to maintain digital connectivity with organisers and facilitate rapid response where required. Medical and emergency services, including Rescue 1122, Civil Defence personnel, mobile health units, field hospitals and volunteers, have been deployed to assist mourners. Sanitation workers have been assigned to ensure cleanliness along procession routes and around religious sites.
A three-tier security plan has been implemented province-wide. More than 125,000 police personnel have been deployed, while 61 companies of the Pakistan Army and 76 companies of Rangers have been requisitioned to support security arrangements. In addition, over 30,000 trained volunteers are assisting law-enforcement agencies.
Authorities are using modern surveillance technologies, including artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems, CCTV cameras, body-worn cameras and geo-tagged video monitoring. The Provincial Intelligence Centre is conducting round-the-clock monitoring of processions and Majalis through a digital surveillance wall.
The Punjab government said over 5,600 CCTV cameras are operational for Muharram monitoring, while more than 1,000 4G event cameras have been installed at sensitive locations. Authorities have conducted 43 intelligence-based operations across the province as part of preventive security measures.
To counter hate speech and sectarian content, a cyber patrolling unit has been activated. Officials said more than 6,000 objectionable social media accounts and pieces of content have been reported to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The government has also launched an LTE-based communication network to maintain coordination among security agencies in areas where mobile phone services may be suspended during Muharram.
Authorities reiterated that no new processions or routes would be permitted beyond those already licensed and traditionally observed. A hotline remains operational between the provincial government and interfaith and inter-sect harmony committees to address any emerging concerns. Real-time monitoring of processions, Majalis and sensitive locations is being carried out through Safe City and private surveillance cameras, while the Provincial Control Room will remain functional round the clock. A ban remains in force on the use of drones across Punjab during Muharram. Section 144 has been imposed, prohibiting the display of weapons, rooftop gatherings along procession routes, misuse of loudspeakers, wall chalking and inflammatory speeches.
The provincial government has announced a ban on pillion riding on Muharram 9 and 10 across Punjab, while the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order has completed visits to all nine divisions of the province to review arrangements.
Officials said walk-through gates and metal detectors have been installed at entry and exit points of major processions, while security agencies continue to monitor suspicious activities and individuals.
According to official estimates, 47,280 Majalis and processions will be held across Punjab during Muharram, including 37,868 Majalis and 9,412 processions.
