CM Maryam spearheads unprecedented Muharram security, facilitation plan across Punjab

• Over 125,000 police personnel deployed across province as 47,280 events set to be held on Ashura

• Army, Rangers, 30,000 volunteers support security arrangements as AI surveillance, 5,600 CCTV cameras, 1,000 event cameras activated

• QR-code system links all 4,836 imambargahs for rapid response with anti-smog guns, sprinklers, cold water facilities introduced for mourners

 LAHORE: On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, comprehensive security, monitoring and public facilitation arrangements for Muharramul Haram processions and majalis have remained in place across Punjab for the past eight days, with the provincial administration and law-enforcement agencies maintaining heightened vigilance to ensure peaceful observance of the holy month.

According to official figures, Punjab has introduced a new administrative and security model for Muharram this year, integrating command-and-control mechanisms with public facilitation measures aimed at improving both security and services for mourners.

For the first time, the provincial government has deployed anti-smog guns and sprinkler systems in various districts to spray water along procession routes, providing relief to mourners amid intense heat and humid weather conditions. Arrangements for the provision of cold drinking water have also been made at multiple locations.

پنجاب کی انتظامیہ مریم نواز کی نگرانی میں نہ صرف سیکیورٹی کے معاملات فول پروف بنا رھی ھے اسکے ساتھ موسم کی شدت اور عوام کی مشکلات کو مدنظر رکھتے سموگ گنز سے فضا میں پانی چھڑکایا جا رھا ھے تاکہ گرمی کی شدت کم محسوس ھو ٹھنڈے پانی اور شربت کی سبیلیں لگائی جا رھی ھیں۰
کسی بھی ھنگامی… pic.twitter.com/QG4CXxIfkp

— بِٹــــــــ‏ــــــــــــ‏ــــو 🇵🇰 (@BIT0420) June 24, 2026

The government said all 4,836 imambargahs across Punjab have been linked through a QR-code system, enabling authorities to maintain digital connectivity with organisers and facilitate rapid response whenever required.

Medical and emergency services, including Rescue 1122, Civil Defence personnel, mobile health units, field hospitals and volunteers, have been deployed across the province to assist mourners. Sanitation workers have also been assigned to ensure cleanliness along procession routes and around religious sites.

A three-tier security plan has been implemented across Punjab, under which more than 125,000 police personnel have been deployed. In support of the security arrangements, 61 companies of the Pakistan Army and 76 companies of Rangers have also been requisitioned, while over 30,000 trained volunteers are assisting law-enforcement agencies.

وزیر اعلیٰ مریم نواز شریف کی ہدایات پر نویں محرم کے جلوسوں کے روٹس چمک اٹھے۔

چنیوٹ، لیہ، لاہور اور جھنگ میں سڑکوں کی صفائی، دھلائی اور پانی کے چھڑکاؤ کے ذریعے عزاداروں کے لیے مثالی انتظامات یقینی بنائے گئے۔@MaryamNSharif pic.twitter.com/jnHaHgE9UV

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) June 25, 2026

Authorities are utilizing modern surveillance technologies, including artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems, CCTV cameras, body-worn cameras and geo-tagged video monitoring. The Provincial Intelligence Centre is conducting round-the-clock monitoring of processions and majalis through a digital surveillance wall.

The Punjab government said more than 5,600 CCTV cameras have been made operational for Muharram monitoring, while over 1,000 4G event cameras have been installed at sensitive locations. Authorities have also conducted 43 intelligence-based operations across the province as part of preventive security measures.

To curb hate speech and sectarian content, a dedicated cyber-patrolling unit has been activated. Officials said more than 6,000 objectionable social media accounts and pieces of content have been reported to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

وزیراعلی مریم نواز کی ہدایت پر نویں محرم الحرام کے موقع پر عزاداروں کے تحفظ، سہولت اور پرامن ماحول کے قیام کے لیے پنجاب حکومت متحرک۔

معاونِ خصوصی وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب شعیب مرزا نے بھلوال میں عزاداری جلوس کے سکیورٹی و انتظامی اقدامات کا تفصیلی جائزہ لیا۔ جلوس روٹس، طبی کیمپس، سبیلوں،… pic.twitter.com/DkOO5wqS8v

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) June 25, 2026

The government has also launched an LTE-based communication network to maintain seamless coordination among security agencies in areas where mobile phone services may be suspended during Muharram.

Authorities reiterated that no new processions or routes would be permitted beyond those already licensed and traditionally observed. A dedicated hotline remains operational between the provincial government and interfaith and inter-sect harmony committees to address any emerging concerns promptly.

Real-time monitoring of processions, majalis and sensitive locations is being carried out through Safe City and private surveillance cameras, while the provincial control room will remain operational round the clock throughout Muharram.

وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کی ہدایات پر جلوسوں اور مجالس کے راستوں پر سبیل اور ریلیف کیمپس قائم۔

عزاداروں کو ٹھنڈے پانی، مشروبات اور دیگر ضروری سہولیات کی فراہمی یقینی بنائی جا رہی ہے تاکہ کسی بھی قسم کی دشواری کا سامنا نہ کرنا پڑے۔@MaryamNSharif pic.twitter.com/GVpUiiH4Fl

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) June 25, 2026

A ban on the use of drones remains in force across Punjab during Muharram. Section 144 has also been imposed, prohibiting the display of weapons, rooftop gatherings along procession routes, misuse of loudspeakers, wall chalking and inflammatory speeches.

The provincial government has announced a ban on pillion riding on Muharram 9 and 10 across Punjab, while the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order has completed visits to all nine divisions of the province to review security and administrative arrangements.

وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کی ہدایات پر پانڈو اسٹریٹ لاہور میں نویں محرم کے جلوسوں کے روٹس پر اسموگ گنز کے ذریعے پانی کا چھڑکاؤ۔

عزاداروں کی سہولت، ٹھنڈک اور بہتر ماحول کی فراہمی کے لیے پنجاب حکومت کے خصوصی انتظامات جاری۔@MaryamNSharif pic.twitter.com/AtuY3Zt5Tb

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) June 25, 2026

 Officials said walk-through gates and metal detectors have been installed at the entry and exit points of major processions, while security agencies continue to monitor suspicious activities and individuals.

According to official estimates, a total of 47,280 majalis and processions will be held across Punjab during Muharram, including 37,868 majalis and 9,412 processions.

CM CONDOLES DEATH OF ANCHOR IFTIKHAR AHMAD’S BROTHER

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of Agha Iqbal Ahmad Khan, brother of senior journalist and anchor Iftikhar Ahmad.

In her condolence message, the chief minister extended heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Iftikhar Ahmad and the bereaved family.

She prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and for strength and fortitude for the family to bear the irreparable loss.