Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered foolproof security arrangements for the martyrdom day of Hazrat Ali Karamullah Wajho, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. The directive comes amid increased vigilance on the western border and a surge in the number of mourning processions and gatherings across the province.

Security Measures Across Punjab

Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed officials to monitor security measures for all processions and gatherings, ensuring that police officers remain on duty until all events are concluded. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining order and protecting participants, particularly those in seclusion in mosques.

Following the Chief Minister’s orders, Punjab’s Inspector General of Police, Abdul Karim, has increased security across the province, including in Lahore, in view of the situation on the western border. IG Punjab directed police to keep a close watch on Fitna-ul-Kharij and Fitna-ul-Hindustan, and deployed personnel at inter-provincial border posts on high alert.

According to the Inspector General, more than 30,000 police officers and personnel are deployed across Punjab, including in Lahore, for the security of mourning processions and gatherings. In the provincial capital alone, more than 8,000 officers and personnel are assigned to security duties.

Thorough Security Deployments

According to a spokesperson, 20,000 police personnel are deployed to secure 217 mourning processions, while more than 10,000 officers are assigned to 994 gatherings. About 2029 metal detectors and 297 walk-through gates are being used to check participants of gatherings and processions.

With the help of the Safe Cities Authority and cameras operated by district administrations, continuous monitoring of mourning processions and gatherings is being carried out. About 32 category A mourning processions will be held across Punjab, including in Lahore, while 67 gatherings will take place.

All activities are being monitored from the Command and Control Operations (CPO) centers and district control and monitoring rooms. Punjab ID has ordered complete checks of participants of mourning processions and gatherings, with lady police personnel deployed for security checks of women mourners.

Commandos in plain clothes have been deployed in mourning processions, while snipers have been placed on the roofs of routes. Special arrangements have been made to maintain traffic flow through alternative routes across the province.

Unified Strategy for Security

IG Punjab directed that all field formations, including the Dolphin Squad, Pera, Special Branch, and CTD, adopt a common strategy in the security arrangements for the martyrdom day of Hazrat Ali. RPOs, CPOs, and DPOs have been asked to personally check the security arrangements for mourning processions and gatherings.

The heightened security measures reflect concerns over regional stability and the potential for unrest. Similar security deployments have been seen in previous years during religious processions, but this year’s arrangements are considered more extensive due to the current geopolitical situation.

Ordinary citizens are expected to benefit from these measures through increased safety and smoother traffic management. The deployment of specialized units and the use of technology such as metal detectors and surveillance cameras aim to prevent any disruptions or security threats.

Looking ahead, the focus will be on the successful execution of the security plan and the smooth conduct of the mourning processions. The next major event on the calendar will be the anniversary of the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali, which is expected to draw large crowds and require similar security precautions.