LAHORE, Jun 24 (APP):Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Kareem on Wednesday directed law enforcement agencies to maintain a high security alert across the province during Ashura Muharram, vowing that any attempt to incite sectarianism, religious hatred or disrupt law and order would be thwarted. Chairing a meeting at the Central Police Office (CPO) to review Ashura security arrangements, the IGP said no compromise would be made on the …
IGP orders comprehensive Ashura security
LAHORE, Jun 24 (APP):Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Kareem on Wednesday directed law enforcement agencies to maintain a high security alert across the province during Ashura Muharram, vowing that any attempt to incite sectarianism, religious hatred or disrupt law and order would be thwarted.
Chairing a meeting at the Central Police Office (CPO) to review Ashura security arrangements, the IGP said no compromise would be made on the security of majalis, mourning processions and mourners.
Punjab Additional IG Operations Muhammad Ali Nekokara briefed the meeting on the province-wide security plan, preparedness measures and field arrangements for Muharram.
The IGP directed strict implementation of Section 144, the prescribed code of conduct and standard operating procedures (SOPs), stressing that all arrangements should be finalised in consultation with procession organisers, religious scholars and other stakeholders.
He instructed senior police officers to personally inspect procession routes, imambargahs and security and traffic arrangements, while ensuring timely removal of encroachments, road repairs and installation of street lights with the support of district administrations.
Abdul Kareem emphasised the need for close coordination with peace committees, religious leaders from all schools of thought and organisers of majalis and processions to promote inter-sect harmony and resolve issues proactively.
The IGP also ordered enhanced deployment at sensitive locations and directed authorities to ensure effective use of CCTV cameras, metal detectors and walk-through gates. He further instructed the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Special Branch, Traffic Police, Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit (PRU) and other field formations to perform their duties proactively.
He called for strengthened cyber patrolling and monitoring to curb the spread of sectarian content, religious hatred and inflammatory material on social media.
Abdul Kareem said processions and majalis across Punjab, including Lahore, would only be allowed on designated routes and at approved venues, while strict enforcement of the Loudspeaker Act would be ensured.
He directed all regional police officers (RPOs), city police officers (CPOs) and district police officers (DPOs) to remain present in the field and personally supervise security arrangements. He also ordered round-the-clock monitoring through control rooms and CCTV systems to maintain law and order and ensure complete protection for mourners.
The meeting was attended by senior police officers from across the province through video link, including the CCPO Lahore, Additional IGs, DIGs and district police chiefs.
Meanwhile, Punjab Police remained on high alert across the province on 8th Muharram, implementing a comprehensive security plan to ensure peaceful observance of religious gatherings.
According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, a total of 3,963 majalis and 1,362 mourning processions were held across the province on 8th Muharram. More than 60,000 police officers and personnel performed security duties, including over 35,000 deployed for majalis and more than 25,000 assigned to procession security.
In Lahore alone, 87 mourning processions and 425 majalis were held under stringent security arrangements. Traffic Police, CTD, Special Branch and other field formations remained on duty, while more than 28,000 community volunteers assisted law enforcement agencies in maintaining security and order.
