The Inspector General (IG) of Punjab police, Rao Abdul Kareem, has issued a high security alert ahead of the Ashura 2026.
While chairing a meeting at the Central Police Office (CPO) to review the Ashura security arrangements on June 24, IG Punjab directed the law enforcement agencies to maintain the situation of law and order at any cost during the Ashura days.
He instructed the officials attending the meeting to take strict and prompt action against those who try to promote religious hatred or disrupt the law and order situation.
IG Punjab added that there will be no compromise made in the security of majalis, mourning processions, and mourners.
njab IGP Abdul Kareem instructed officials to strictly enforce Section 144, the prescribed code of conduct and standard operating procedures (SOPs) during Muharram.
He said all arrangements should be finalised in consultation with procession organisers, religious scholars and other stakeholders to ensure the peaceful observance of religious events.
Senior police officers were directed to personally inspect procession routes, imambargahs and traffic management plans. The IGP also called for the timely removal of encroachments, road repairs and installation of street lighting with the assistance of district administrations.
Mr Kareem stressed the importance of close coordination with peace committees, religious leaders from different schools of thought and organisers of majalis and processions to promote inter-sect harmony and address concerns before they escalate.
Security measures have also been strengthened at sensitive locations across the province. Authorities have been instructed to make full use of CCTV cameras, metal detectors and walk-through gates, while specialised units including the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Special Branch, Traffic Police, Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit (PRU) have been ordered to remain on high alert.
The police chief also called for enhanced cyber monitoring to prevent the spread of sectarian content, hate speech and inflammatory material on social media platforms.
According to the IGP, processions and majalis across Punjab, including those in Lahore, will only be permitted on approved routes and at designated venues. He also ordered strict enforcement of the Loudspeaker Act during Muharram.
Regional Police Officers (RPOs), City Police Officers (CPOs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) have been directed to remain in the field and personally supervise security operations. Round-the-clock monitoring through control rooms and surveillance systems has also been ordered.
Meanwhile, Punjab Police remained on high alert during 8th Muharram, implementing extensive security arrangements across the province.
According to official figures, 3,963 majalis and 1,362 mourning processions were held on 8th Muharram. More than 60,000 police personnel were deployed, including over 35,000 assigned to majalis security and more than 25,000 tasked with securing processions.
Read more: Fact check: Is govt planning to collect PTA phone tax in monthly installments?
Also read: Esmaeil Baqaei reacts to US state secretary Marco Rubio allegations
