Punjab mounts ‘biggest-ever’ Muharram security operation under CM Maryam’s direct oversight

• Punjab CM personally reviews province-wide security arrangements from Provincial Intelligence Centre

• More than 124,000 police personnel backed by Army and Rangers deployed for Muharram duties

• Modern security framework activated with CCTV surveillance, cyber patrolling and LTE networks

• CM Maryam warns of zero tolerance for negligence, vows complete protection for mourners

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday personally reviewed Muharram security arrangements and the operational preparedness of law-enforcement and intelligence agencies, reaffirming that the safety, security, and convenience of mourners remain the provincial government’s top priority during Muharram.

During a visit to the Provincial Intelligence Centre at the Civil Secretariat, the chief minister inspected live CCTV monitoring of Muharram processions and majalis and reviewed the operational readiness of security institutions across Punjab. Deputy commissioners and district police officers from all districts participated in the meeting via video link.

عزادارانِ اہلِ بیتؑ کے تحفظ، امن اور سہولت کے لیے وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف خود میدان میں، محرم الحرام کے انتظامات کی براہِ راست نگرانی جاری۔
پنجاب میں پہلی بار جدید ٹیکنالوجی، سائبر و فزیکل پیٹرولنگ، QR کوڈڈ پینک بٹن، CCTV مانیٹرنگ، LTE سسٹم اور 24/7 کنٹرول روم کے ذریعے… pic.twitter.com/VjIZSdpdg8

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) June 24, 2026

Officials briefed the chief minister on a wide-ranging security framework incorporating physical and cyber patrolling, QR code-enabled panic button systems, LTE-based communication networks, CCTV surveillance, and anti-smog guns deployed along procession routes. According to officials, these integrated security measures are being implemented on an unprecedented scale during Muharram.

Maryam Nawaz said a modern and technology-driven security system had been activated throughout Punjab, with the administration, intelligence agencies, police, and other law-enforcement bodies working in close coordination to maintain peace and order.

The chief minister directly interacted with district monitoring units and directed authorities to maintain the highest level of vigilance. She reviewed live CCTV feeds displayed on the centre’s digital monitoring wall and examined ongoing social media surveillance operations.

Officials presented a detailed briefing on cyber-patrolling mechanisms and informed the chief minister about systems designed to block, detect, and curb the spread of objectionable online content. A dedicated cyber-patrolling wing has been established to monitor and analyse social media activity throughout Muharram.

Directing authorities to intensify action against elements involved in spreading sectarianism and hate material, the chief minister reviewed security deployment plans, control room operations, and physical and cyber surveillance arrangements across the province.

A digital map showing the locations and categorisation of majalis throughout Punjab was also presented during the briefing. Maryam Nawaz reviewed procession routes in different districts and monitored surveillance coverage through Safe City cameras.

Emphasising the importance of inter-sect harmony, she directed officials to maintain close coordination with religious scholars and stakeholders working to promote Muslim unity and peaceful observance of Muharram.

During the visit, the chief minister also sought a report from the deputy commissioner of Pakpattan regarding the recent Bahishti Darwaza incident.

Expressing satisfaction over arrangements for water sprinkling and the establishment of sabeels along procession routes, she reiterated that there would be no compromise on the safety and convenience of mourners.

“The administration and police must remain fully vigilant from today until Ashura. Security arrangements should be such that no untoward incident occurs. I am personally monitoring processions and majalis across all districts,” she said.

The chief minister directed officials to ensure comprehensive security and welfare measures for members of the Shia community amid the ongoing heatwave and instructed authorities to establish cold drinking water and sweetened water stalls along procession routes.

She said the extensive preparations reflected the most comprehensive Muharram arrangements in Punjab’s history and warned that negligence at any level would not be tolerated.

Maryam Nawaz expressed satisfaction that QR codes had been installed even at imambargahs located in remote areas and stressed that there was no room for complacency in security matters.

Officials informed the meeting that district-wise and division-wise data relating to processions and majalis had been compiled and integrated into the provincial monitoring system. The Provincial Control Room remains directly linked with every district, while LTE communication systems have been activated in various parts of Punjab to ensure uninterrupted official communication even in the event of network disruptions.

The chief minister also directed that English and Mathematics be made compulsory subjects in religious seminaries.

More than 124,000 Police Personnel, Army and Rangers Deployed for Muharram Security

According to the briefing, more than 124,000 Punjab Police personnel have been deployed across the province to perform Muharram security duties.

Personnel from the Pakistan Army and Rangers will also assist civil law-enforcement agencies, while a large number of trained volunteers have been mobilised to support security operations.

Officials informed the chief minister that 4,836 QR code-enabled panic buttons had been installed at imambargahs to facilitate rapid emergency response, while real-time CCTV monitoring of processions, majalis, and sensitive locations would continue throughout Muharram.

The Provincial Control Room at the Home Department is operating round the clock to monitor the overall law and order situation across Punjab.

وزیر اعلیٰ مریم نواز کا سول سیکرٹریٹ میں پراونشل انٹیلی جنس سینٹر کا اہم دورہ

محرم الحرام کے انتظامات اور سکیورٹی کا جائزہ

وزیر اعلیٰ مریم نواز کا سیکیورٹی ہائی الرٹ رکھنے کا حکم

پانی کی سبیلیں ہر صورت لگائی جائیں اور ہر جلوس کے روٹ پر پانی کا چھڑکاؤ کیا جائے، مریم نواز pic.twitter.com/IV5eaeBZUO

— Dr Mudassir Alvi (@drAlviWrites) June 24, 2026

The Digital Media Cell has reported more than 6,000 objectionable social media accounts and content items to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority during the current month as part of efforts to curb online hate material and provocative content.

Authorities are also enforcing a province-wide ban on drone operations to strengthen security and prevent unauthorised aerial activity. The Muharram e-Portal, developed with the support of the Punjab Information Technology Board, has been upgraded to improve digital monitoring and data management.

Section 144 remains in force throughout Punjab. Standing on rooftops along procession routes and displaying weapons have been prohibited, while strict restrictions have been imposed on the misuse of loudspeakers, wall chalking, and provocative speeches. Officials said legal action would be taken against violators.

A ban on pillion riding will remain in effect across Punjab on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. Anti-smog guns are also being deployed along procession routes to reduce the impact of dust and extreme weather conditions.

Special arrangements, including cold-water sabeels, have been made for mourners, while Rescue 1122, the Health Department, Civil Defence, and local government institutions are working in close coordination in the field.

Officials further informed the meeting that the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order had completed visits to all nine divisions of Punjab and that, owing to preparations initiated in April and May, the first seven days of Muharram had remained peaceful and secure throughout the province.