Punjab Police has devised a comprehensive security plan to maintain law and order during Muharram-ul-Haram and ensure the safety of mourning processions and religious gatherings across the province.
According to Inspector General of Police Punjab, full security will be provided for all majalis and mourning processions, including those held in Lahore. During the first ten days of Muharram, a total of 37,868 religious gatherings and 9,412 mourning processions are expected to take place across Punjab.
More than 124,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed to perform security duties during the observance of Muharram.
A Punjab Police spokesperson said that over 41,200 personnel will be assigned to the security of majalis, while more than 73,400 personnel will be deployed for mourning processions. In addition, over 9,500 personnel will patrol procession routes, gathering venues, and other sensitive locations.
The IG Punjab said that the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Special Branch, Traffic Police, Dolphin Force, and other field formations will actively participate in the security arrangements. He added that processions and majalis will be continuously monitored through surveillance cameras operated by the Punjab Safe Cities Authority.
He further stated that no mourning procession or religious gathering would be permitted outside approved routes and designated venues, and that strict enforcement of Section 144 and the Loudspeaker Act would be ensured.
The IG Punjab also announced that pillion riding will remain banned across the province on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. However, senior citizens, women, and law enforcement personnel will be exempt from the restriction.
Chief Traffic Officer Lahore Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi on Sunday visited the procession routes of Qasr-e-Batool Shadman and 145-A Model Town to review traffic management arrangements and ensure smooth movement of traffic during the religious events.
During his visit, the CTO inspected various diversion points and alternative traffic routes established to facilitate both mourners and the general public. DSP Gulberg and DSP Model Town briefed him on the procession routes, traffic diversion plans, and contingency arrangements.
Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi also met with the organizers of processions and discussed route management, traffic arrangements, and measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the events. While reviewing the routes, he identified several obstructions and directed the officials concerned to remove them immediately.
The CTO said that no inconvenience should be caused to mourners or citizens due to traffic arrangements. He instructed traffic wardens deployed at diversion points to treat citizens with courtesy and professionalism while providing guidance regarding alternative routes.
He added that additional traffic personnel would be deployed to facilitate road users and maintain an efficient flow of traffic. Special parking arrangements would also be made for mourners attending the Majalis and processions to ensure their convenience and safety.
The CTO directed traffic wardens and field officers to remain vigilant and keep a close watch on suspicious individuals and unattended objects in coordination with law enforcement agencies.
Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi said that Lahore Traffic Police were committed to ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow across the city while facilitating religious gatherings through comprehensive planning and effective traffic management.