Punjab seeks Army, Rangers deployment for Muharram security

LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has asked the Ministry of Interior to arrange the deployment of Pakistan Army and Pakistan Rangers personnel across the province for security duties during Muharram, according to official correspondence and a departmental spokesperson.

A June 4 letter sent by the Home Department said the request was made on the recommendation of the Punjab police chief for additional security support. The letter stated that the existing security situation required a deliberate and comprehensive mechanism for the upcoming month of Muharram to prevent any designs by terrorists or other miscreants.

According to the request, the province has sought 137 companies in total, including 61 companies of the Pakistan Army and 76 companies of Pakistan Rangers Punjab. The deployment was sought in at least 37 districts, while a Punjab Home Department spokesperson told Geo News that the request covered 39 districts.

“I am directed to refer to the subject captioned above and to state that present security environment underlines the requirement of evolving a deliberated and foolproof security mechanism for the upcoming month of Muharram-ul-Haram, 2026 to thwart design of terrorism/miscreants,” the letter stated.

District-wise deployment request

The document lists requests for both Army and Rangers personnel in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Narowal, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Wazirabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Sargodha, Khushab, Bhakkar, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Chiniot, Multan, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Kot Addu.

Only one Army company was requested for Vehari, while only Rangers deployment was sought for Sialkot, Jhelum, Mianwali, Lodhran and Rahim Yar Khan. No companies were requested for Kasur and Murree. The contingents are to provide security during different periods between Muharram 1 and 12.

Security instructions issued

The Home Department has also circulated guidelines aimed at maintaining peace and order during Muharram. In a seven-page order issued on Friday to police and the civil administration, it called for heightened vigilance, security arrangements extending to remote areas, and timely, proactive intelligence-sharing among all law enforcement agencies.

Punjab Inspector General Abdul Kareem reviewed the Muharram security plan at the Central Police Office last week. During the meeting, he said ensuring security during Muharram had become more difficult than before and directed officers to discharge their responsibilities with full commitment.

According to the Punjab Home Department spokesperson, the deployment request was intended to strengthen security arrangements and assist civil law enforcement agencies during Muharram processions and majalis across the province. Ashura falls on the 10th of Muharram, when Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his family members were martyred in the battle of Karbala. During the month, processions and majalis are held across the country under tight security.