CM Maryam hails peaceful Ashura as AI-backed security plan delivers across Punjab

• Punjab CM pays tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), calls Karbala eternal symbol of justice and steadfastness

• Over 100,000 police, Army and Rangers secure more than 47,000 Majalis and processions

• Three-tier security model deploys drones, body cameras, QR codes and live surveillance for first time

• More than 6,000 objectionable social media accounts, posts reported to PTA during Muharram

• Punjab team praised as Muharram concludes peacefully for second consecutive year

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday paid rich tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), describing him as the true reflection of the character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) and the founder of the revolution of goodness, as Punjab successfully implemented a newly-introduced three-tier administrative and security model to ensure peaceful observance of Youm-i-Ashur across the province.

The chief minister also paid homage to the martyrs of Karbala and lauded the patience, courage and steadfastness of Hazrat Bibi Zainab (RA).

In her Youm-i-Ashur message, she said love for the martyrs of Karbala and the Ahl-e-Bait (RA) was not merely a part of every Muslim's faith but flowed through every vein. She said the tragedy of Karbala had revived the moral conscience of Islamic civilisation.

The chief minister said the sacrifice and martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of Hazrat Fatima (RA), were made to preserve Islam and its eternal values.

She further said the tragedy of Karbala continued to inspire humanity to uphold justice, while Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) had presented the finest eternal manifesto of political morality.

"The name of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) is a symbol of courage and bravery for every oppressed person," she said, adding that Karbala was not merely the story of a battle but a spiritually uplifting manifestation of steadfastness.

CM Maryam Nawaz said the nation must renew its resolve to follow the luminous teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).

She concluded by saying that the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions would continue to guide and inspire the oppressed and downtrodden in every era.

Three-tier Muharram security model enforced

Meanwhile, Punjab remained on high alert on Youm-i-Ashur as the provincial government enforced, for the first time, a newly developed three-tier administrative and security model across the province on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to maintain law and order and facilitate mourners.

The chief minister directed all relevant authorities to ensure foolproof security alongside comprehensive arrangements for the care and convenience of mourners throughout Muharram.

For the first time, an AI-based security plan incorporating drones, body cameras and other modern technologies was implemented. Security and surveillance of Majalis and mourning processions had been carried out across Punjab for the preceding eight days under the comprehensive plan.

On the chief minister's directives, not only the civil administration but also the entire Punjab cabinet and provincial ministers remained in the field to supervise arrangements and assist mourners of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).

More than 100,000 police personnel, 61 companies of the Pakistan Army and 76 companies of Rangers were deployed to secure over 47,000 Majalis and processions across Punjab. More than 30,000 trained volunteers also assisted in security arrangements.

The Provincial Intelligence Centre at the Home Department remained operational round the clock, while all processions and Majalis were monitored through live CCTV feeds displayed on a digital wall.

Besides sanitation, medical facilities and sabeels, anti-smog guns and sprinklers were used to spray water and fragrance to protect mourners from the intense heat.

For the first time, around 5,000 Imambargahs across Punjab were linked through QR codes.

All hospitals in the province remained on high alert, while Clinics on Wheels, field hospitals, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence teams and volunteers remained on standby to provide medical assistance and emergency services.

Cyber patrolling was also carried out to curb hate speech, sectarian content and incitement. More than 6,000 objectionable social media accounts and posts were reported to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

To ensure uninterrupted communication and coordination despite the suspension of mobile phone services, the Punjab government launched its own LTE network.

Provincial and district-level control rooms remained fully operational, while live and geo-tagged video monitoring continued across the province.

Real-time surveillance was conducted through more than 5,500 CCTV cameras, the Safe City system and private cameras. In addition, over 1,000 modern 4G event cameras were installed at highly sensitive locations.

So far, 43 targeted intelligence-based operations had been carried out across the province.

No new procession or route was permitted apart from licensed processions. For the first time, a digital map identifying the locations and categories of Majalis throughout Punjab was prepared.

Walk-through gates and metal detectors were installed at all entry and exit points of processions.

A dedicated hotline remained operational between the Punjab government and Ittehad Bain-ul-Muslimeen to promote religious harmony and maintain law and order, while the Punjab Information Technology Board ensured regular updates and briefings through its e-portal.

Section 144 remained enforced across Punjab. The government also ensured strict implementation of restrictions on standing on rooftops along procession routes, brandishing weapons, misuse of loudspeakers, wall chalking and provocative speeches. A ban on pillion riding remained in force on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.

"The martyrdom of the beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is a sorrow shared by the entire Muslim Ummah. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring security and serving the mourners on this sacred occasion," Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said.

Religious scholars, traders, citizens, organisers of Majalis and processions, mourners and members of the general public appreciated the unprecedented security and public service arrangements made under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Punjab team praised as Muharram concludes peacefully

Meanwhile, CM Maryam Nawaz said that, by the grace of Allah Almighty, Muharram had been observed peacefully, with dignity and exemplary organisation across Punjab for the second consecutive year.

الحمدللہ گذشتہ سال کی طرح اس مرتبہ بھی محرم الحرام کا پرامن، باوقار اور منظم انعقاد ممکن ہوا جس پر میں پوری ٹیم پنجاب کو دل کی گہرائیوں سے شاباش دیتی ہوں۔تمام صوبائی وزراء , ایم پی ایز , پنجاب بھر کی ضلعی انتظامیہ، پنجاب پولیس، قانون نافذ کرنے والے اداروں، ریسکیو 1122، ستھرا… pic.twitter.com/avDT2Zmkmc

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) June 26, 2026

In a message posted on X, she expressed gratitude and congratulated the entire Punjab team on the peaceful conduct of Muharram processions and Majalis.

She commended provincial ministers, MPAs, district administrations, Punjab Police, law enforcement agencies, Rescue 1122, Suthra Punjab teams, the Health Department and the Local Government Department for working tirelessly round the clock to ensure effective arrangements.

The chief minister said the measures taken to provide relief to mourners during the intense heat were exemplary. She noted that cold water stalls had been established across the province, rose water was sprinkled along procession routes and smog guns were used to spray water, providing significant relief from the scorching weather.

She added that Suthra Punjab teams had ensured exemplary cleanliness along the routes of Majalis and processions, setting a new benchmark for sanitation and public service delivery.

The chief minister said the coordination and teamwork demonstrated by all departments were a matter of pride.

شکرِ الحمدللہ یومِ عاشور کے تمام جلوس اور مجالس انتہائی پرامن اور منظم طریقے سے پایۂ تکمیل کو پہنچے ہیں جس پر ہم اپنے پروردگار کے شکر گزار ہیں۔ان جلوسوں کے دوران 24 گھنٹے فعال رہنے کے بعد اب ضلعی انتظامیہ اور ستھرا پنجاب کی ٹیموں نے بغیر کسی وقفے اور تھکن کے فیلڈ میں صفائی کا… pic.twitter.com/nsVy9qZcJp

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) June 27, 2026

Despite the sweltering heat during the sacred days of Muharram, Punjab Police personnel remained deployed on the streets, she said, adding that police, including traffic personnel, performed their duties with unwavering dedication and ensured complete security for mourners regardless of the harsh weather conditions.

CM Maryam Nawaz said the peaceful observance of Ashura was made possible through the professionalism, commitment and round-the-clock efforts of police officers and personnel.

She also paid tribute to all officials who prioritised public service despite the extreme weather, saying, "You are our pride. Keep up the excellent work."