Punjab CM directs police to handle protesters with respect following Khamenei's martyrdom

• CM Maryam Nawaz directs police, administration to respect sentiments, avoid heavy-handedness

• Stresses grief is shared but peace is a collective responsibility, saying govt to arrange Iftar for demonstrators

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday directed the police and district administration to deal with protesters in Lahore with “empathy and respect” following the martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a handout issued by DGPR.

In a message posted on the social media platform X, the Punjab chief minister said law enforcement authorities had been instructed to “understand the sentiments” of the demonstrators and ensure that they were “treated with dignity”.

I have directed the police and the administration to be sensitive to the grief of the peoples and treat the protesters with compassion, dignity and respect. Arrangements are being made for Iftar for the protesters.

We are all grieving and in a state of mourning, but it is also… https://t.co/ExMjpoj8Nl

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) March 1, 2026

She further announced that arrangements were being made to provide Iftar meals to the protesters.

Maryam Nawaz said that every Muslim was currently grieving and in tears, but stressed that maintaining peace in the country remained a collective responsibility. “We must uphold this duty. In this time of sorrow, we stand united,” she said.

CM issues message on World Civil Defence Day

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday said that civil defence training aims to equip citizens with the ability to voluntarily help themselves and others in the event of natural disasters. She said civil defence also focuses on adopting precautionary measures in anticipation of unforeseen calamities.

In her message on World Civil Defence Day, the chief minister said the civil defence organisation remained active at all times to assist the public, adding that protecting citizens from earthquakes, floods and other disasters, and ensuring a safe society, was its fundamental objective. On the occasion, she paid tribute to those who render services during accidents and natural disasters.

The chief minister said the purpose of observing World Civil Defence Day was to highlight the importance of the civil defence organisation among the public. She remarked that the supportive role of civil defence in safeguarding life and property was of vital importance.

Maryam Nawaz said the significance of civil defence was universally acknowledged in times of peace as well as war. A strong civil defence system, she added, could reduce the intensity and impact of natural disasters and unforeseen incidents. She emphasised the urgent need to raise public awareness about the importance of civil defence, saying that the revival and strengthening of the institution was the need of the hour.