Punjab govt prioritising foolproof security during Muharram : Khawaja Salman Rafique

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Jun, 2026) Punjab Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that foolproof security and maintenance of peace during Muharram-ul-Haram are the top priorities of the Punjab government, warning that anyone attempting to disrupt law and order will be dealt with strictly.

According to a handout issued here on Thursday, he expressed these views while chairing an important meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order in Gujranwala, held on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to review security arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram in Gujranwala and Gujrat divisions.

Commissioner Gujranwala Muhammad Ali and RPO Gujranwala Khurram Shahzad briefed the participants on the arrangements made for Muharram-ul-Haram. The meeting was informed that arrangements had been completed for 6,858 gatherings and 1,588 processions in Gujranwala and Gujrat divisions. Authorities have also imposed district and language restrictions on 353 zakirs and speakers.

The meeting was told that eight companies of the Pakistan Army and 11 companies of Rangers would assist the police in maintaining security during Muharram. In addition, 924 doctors and 2,850 paramedics will be deployed across the two divisions to provide medical assistance.

Khawaja Salman Rafique directed all departments to ensure strict implementation of rules and regulations issued by the Punjab Home Department.

Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin said on this occasion that all organizers should be linked with law enforcement agencies through the Public Safety App and instructed officials to keep weather conditions in view while making arrangements.

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Punjab Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharath emphasized monitoring procession routes through Safe City cameras and said implementation of the code of conduct was essential for a peaceful Muharram.

Minister Bilal Akbar Khan urged all schools of thought to discourage provocative activity on social media and called for strict security arrangements at inter-provincial and inter-district border points.

Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said cyber patrol cells should be activated in all districts to prevent sectarianism and ensure the security of traditional processions and gatherings according to standard operating procedures.

Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi informed the meeting that Section 144 remained in force across Punjab regarding the use of drones and said all processions and gatherings would be monitored live through the Home Department’s central control room.

IG Punjab Rao Abdul Karim directed all personnel to remain fully alert until the conclusion of processions and gatherings, adding that leaves of law enforcement personnel and hospital staff had been cancelled to ensure better arrangements.

Commissioner Muhammad Ali said the administration and police would ensure law and order at all costs, while RPO Khurram Shahzad stated that strict monitoring of miscreants on social media was being carried out to maintain peace during Muharram-ul-Haram.

Additional IG CTD Waseem Sial, DIG Special Branch Sajjad Manj, DG Auqaf Hafiz Anis-ur-Rehman, members of provincial assembly from Gujranwala and Gujrat divisions, deputy commissioners and DPOs attended the meeting.