LAHORE: The Punjab government has deployed more than 124,000 police personnel, supported by military and paramilitary forces, to ensure security during Muharram across the province.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif reviewed the security arrangements during a visit to the Provincial Intelligence Centre on Wednesday, where she assessed the real-time monitoring system ahead of Ashura.
The provincial government has established a centralised intelligence network linking deputy commissioners and district police officers through digital communication systems to enhance coordination across Punjab.
Addressing a meeting of the cabinet committee on law and order, the chief minister said an advanced security network had been activated, with the civil administration, intelligence agencies, police and other law enforcement institutions working in close coordination.
To curb sectarian tensions, authorities have launched cyber patrolling through a specialised digital media wing to monitor and report inflammatory online content.
Officials told the meeting that more than 6,000 social media accounts and pages containing objectionable material had been identified and reported to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority for action during the month.
The meeting was also informed that a long-term evolution (LTE) communication system has been activated in various districts to ensure uninterrupted communication and coordination even if mobile phone services are suspended.
Authorities have installed 4,836 QR-coded panic buttons at Imambargahs to provide direct access to emergency responders, particularly in remote and sensitive areas.
The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province, banning the use of commercial drones, display of weapons, wall chalking, unauthorised use of loudspeakers and rooftop access along procession routes. Pillion riding will also be restricted on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
To address the impact of extreme heat, municipal authorities have deployed water cannons to sprinkle procession routes and established cold drinking water distribution points for mourners.
The home secretary informed the meeting that security assessments had been completed across all nine divisions of the province.
A multi-agency response system, comprising Rescue 1122, the health department, Civil Defence and local government institutions, will remain operational throughout the Muharram period to ensure public safety and emergency response.
