By Mustafa Ali
Lahore:Following the instructions of Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, strict security arrangements were ensured across the province, including Lahore, on the 5th day of Ashra Muharram-ul-Haram. Punjab Police spokesperson said that on the 5th of Muharram, more than 37,500 officers and personnel performed security duties for processions and majalis across the province. In the provincial capital, over 3,000 police officers and personnel were assigned to security duties. A total of 547 mourning processions and 3,804 majalis were held across the province. In Lahore, on the 5th of Muharram, 42 mourning processions were held and 410 majalis took place. Over 19,000 community volunteers assisted with the security arrangements for the majalis and mourning processions across the province. IG Punjab emphasized that security will remain on high alert throughout Ashra Muharram. He also assured that Section 144, imposed by the Punjab government, is being strictly enforced. Dr. Usman Anwar highlighted that there is a ban on aerial firing, display of weapons, spreading of hate material, and incitement to violence. Processions and majalis are only permitted at designated routes and locations. Full monitoring of all activities is ongoing with the help of cameras from the Safe Cities Authority and district administration. CTD, Special Branch, Traffic Police, Dolphin Squad, and other field formations are deployed for Muharram security duties. Dr. Usman Anwar instructed officers to ensure strict compliance with the Loudspeaker Act. He also directed that lawbreakers spreading hate material on social media should be firmly dealt with. IG Punjab further said that the control rooms set up in all districts are connected to the Central Police Office’s central control room and are in constant communication.
