Punjab deploys 152,000 police personnel as Ashura security put on highest alert

• IGP orders tighter security across province for Ashura, saying special arrangements made for 208 Category-A processions, 337 majalis

• Snipers, plainclothes commandos deployed as police step up watch on Fitna al-Khawarij, Fitna al-Hindustan

• More than 70,000 officers guard 1,697 processions, 3,869 majalis on 9th Muharram

• Pillion riding ban remains in force; Section 144, code of conduct strictly enforced

 LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Kareem on Thursday directed authorities to further tighten security arrangements across the province for Ashura Muharramul Haram, stressing that more than 152,000 police officers and personnel would perform security duties while ensuring the full implementation of the province-wide security plan in all districts.

“Punjab Police is on high alert to ensure the peaceful conduct of mourning processions and majalis and no compromise will be made on the security of processions, majalis, and mourners,” IGP Abdul Kareem said while directing all field officers to personally supervise security and traffic arrangements and ensure the deployment of additional personnel at sensitive locations, according to a statement issued by the Central Police Office (CPO).

عاشورۂ محرم الحرام کے موقع پر پنجاب پولیس صوبہ بھر میں عزاداری جلوسوں اور مجالس کے پرامن انعقاد کے لیے ہائی الرٹ ہے۔
انسپکٹر جنرل پنجاب عبدالکریم کی ہدایت پر 09 ویں محرم الحرام کے موقع پر لاہور سمیت صوبہ بھر میں 70 ہزار سے زائد افسران و اہلکار سکیورٹی فرائض انجام دے رہے ہیں، جبکہ… pic.twitter.com/SxLvhF7DKa

— Punjab Police Official (@OfficialDPRPP) June 25, 2026

Sharing details of the security plan, a Punjab Police spokesperson said that on the 9th of Muharram, 1,697 mourning processions were taken out and 3,869 majalis were held across Punjab, including Lahore. More than 70,000 police officers and personnel were deployed to provide security for these events, while special arrangements were made for 208 Category-A processions and 337 Category-A majalis.

پنجاب پولیس کی جانب سے 09 محرم الحرام کے موقع پر پنجاب بھر میں عزاداری جلوسوں اور مجالس کی سکیورٹی کے لیے فول پروف انتظامات جاری ہیں۔ آج صوبہ بھر میں 70 ہزار سے زائد پولیس افسران و اہلکار 1697 عزاداری جلوسوں اور 3869 مجالس کی سکیورٹی کے فرائض سرانجام دے رہے ہیں۔
شہریوں سے گزارش… pic.twitter.com/HpTvEJM4qo

— Punjab Police Official (@OfficialDPRPP) June 25, 2026

In the provincial capital, Lahore, 81 mourning processions were taken out and 386 majalis were held, including 26 Category-A processions and 46 Category-A majalis. Strict security measures were ensured at all locations.

The Punjab police chief directed authorities to maintain strict vigilance against the activities of miscreant elements, including Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan, and ordered the effective enforcement of the code of conduct and Section 144 across the province.

عاشورۂ محرم الحرام کے موقع پر پنجاب پولیس صوبہ بھر میں عزاداری جلوسوں اور مجالس کے پرامن انعقاد کے لیے ہائی الرٹ ہے۔
انسپکٹر جنرل پنجاب عبدالکریم کی ہدایت پر 09 ویں محرم الحرام کے موقع پر لاہور سمیت صوبہ بھر میں 70 ہزار سے زائد افسران و اہلکار سکیورٹی فرائض انجام دے رہے ہیں، جبکہ… pic.twitter.com/yRg9DcuBm9

— Punjab Police Official (@OfficialDPRPP) June 25, 2026

He said the peaceful observance of Ashura would be ensured through close coordination among community leaders, district administrations, religious scholars and security agencies. He also urged religious scholars and community leaders to play an active role in promoting inter-sect harmony, tolerance and mutual respect to foster an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood.

The IGP said Regional Police Officers (RPOs), City Police Officers (CPOs), District Police Officers (DPOs) and traffic officials were present in the field and personally supervising security and traffic arrangements. He added that the security situation was being continuously monitored through the Home Department, the Safe Cities Authority and district-level control rooms established across Punjab.

Abdul Kareem said security screening had been further strengthened through the use of CCTV cameras, walk-through gates, metal detectors and other modern equipment. Snipers have been deployed on rooftops of key buildings along procession routes, while plainclothes commandos are also performing duties alongside the processions.

He added that provincial ministers, religious scholars, the Armed Forces, Rangers and other security agencies were extending full cooperation to ensure peaceful observance of Ashura.

The ban on pillion riding remains in force, except for senior citizens, women and personnel of law enforcement agencies, and strict implementation of the restriction is being ensured, he added.