The Punjab Home Department has issued comprehensive security guidelines for Youm-e-Shahadat Hazrat Ali (RA), to be observed on 21st of Ramazan, March 11, 2026, with due reverence and respect across the country.
According to the directives, special security arrangements will be ensured for processions, Majalis and other religious gatherings to be held on the occasion. Scholars will highlight the life and teachings of Hazrat Ali (RA) during the events.
The Home Department directed that foolproof security arrangements be made for mosques, seminaries, Imambargahs, shrines and other places of worship, with additional police personnel deployed where required. Strict security measures have been ordered for mourning processions, religious congregations and public gatherings.
The department emphasised that no objectionable or provocative speeches against any sect would be tolerated. A complete ban on carrying and displaying firearms across Punjab has been enforced, while strict action has been ordered against violations of the Punjab Sound System (Regulation) Act, 2015.
To maintain religious harmony, miscreant elements will be closely monitored. Aerial surveillance of all major processions will be conducted through quadcopters to effectively monitor security arrangements and deployment of personnel. Security of transmission lines of WAPDA and gas pipelines of SNGPL along procession routes will also be ensured.
The authorities have been directed to strengthen checking at entry and exit points of all cities across the province. Special security measures will be taken for prominent religious and political leaders. Rescue 1122, Civil Defence and the Health Department have been placed on high alert, while all law enforcement and intelligence agencies have been directed to maintain close coordination and ensure timely information sharing with relevant stakeholders.
District Emergency Boards have been instructed to convene immediate meetings and activate district rescue plans. Availability of fire brigades, bomb disposal squads, ambulances, uninterrupted electricity supply and medical staff has been ensured. Authorities have also been directed to maintain heightened security even during Iftar hours.
The 21st Ramazan Zuljanah procession in Lahore, considered among the three major religious processions of the city, will be provided special security cover. Law enforcement agencies will utilize quadcopters for effective monitoring of security arrangements and personnel deployment, and security officials will remain on duty until the complete dispersal of processions and gatherings.
The Home Department directed commissioners, deputy commissioners, CCPO Lahore, RPOs, CPOs and DPOs across Punjab to ensure strict implementation of the comprehensive security plan to maintain law and order on Youm-e-Shahadat Hazrat Ali (RA).
Minister reviews security plan in meeting with clerics
Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique on Tuesday met a delegation of Ulema, led by Member of the Council of Islamic Ideology Dr Mufti Intikhab Ahmed Noori, at the Punjab Home Department to review security arrangements for Youm-e-Shahadat Hazrat Ali (RA) and the overall law and order situation in the province.
Fateha was offered for Syed Ayatollah Khamenei and other martyrs during the meeting.
The delegation included Qasim Ali Qasmi, Raza Abbas Naqvi, Syed Hussain Jafar Zaidi, Ameer Abbas Mirza, Ali Akbar Kazmi, Syed Hassan Raza Hamdani, Syed Hussain Najafi, Syed Khurram Naqvi, Syed Imtiaz Kazmi, Syed Muhammad Ali, Tahir Hussain, Ansar Hussain, Syed Zahid Ali Bukhari and Ammar Naqvi, among others.
Secretary Auqaf Dr Ehsan Bhutta, Special Secretary Home Fazal-ur-Rehman, DIG Special Branch Rai Babar, Syed Tahir Raza Bukhari, Ghulam Sagheer Shahid, Additional Secretary Home and other relevant officers were also present.
The meeting discussed security arrangements for Youm-e-Shahadat Hazrat Ali (RA) and measures to maintain peace across Punjab. Khawaja Salman Rafique said that the chief minister had directed police and other concerned departments to ensure foolproof security arrangements on the occasion.
He said extraordinary security measures would be taken across the province and all available resources were being utilised to maintain law and order. “All segments of society stand behind the law enforcement agencies for the security and stability of Pakistan,” he added.
The provincial minister said that peace committees were fully active across Punjab during Ramazan, while the provincial government was promoting interfaith harmony and unity among different schools of thought. He termed Ulema as respected pillars of society and acknowledged their effective role in reforming and guiding the community.
The religious scholars assured full cooperation with the Punjab government for maintaining peace and promoting unity, and appreciated the consultation process with scholars from all schools of thought.
Special prayers were offered at the conclusion of the meeting for the progress, security and prosperity of the country.