Over 1900 police personnel to give security cover to religious gatherings on Youm-e-Ali (RA)

DG KHAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Mar, 2026) Authorities have placed Dera Ghazi Khan region on high security alert ahead of the observance Youm-e-Ali, martyrdom day of Hazrat Ali (RA) on the 21st of Ramazan, deploying more than 1,900 police officers and personnel to safeguard religious gatherings and processions.

According to officials, security arrangements have been significantly tightened following directives issued by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and IGP Rao Abdul Kareem, a total of 18 processions and 109 religious gatherings (majalis) are scheduled across the region.

The security plan was reviewed during a meeting chaired by Regional Police Officer Muhammad Azhar Akram and Commissioner DG Khan Division, Ashfaq Ahmed Chaudhry. The meeting was attended by district police officers and deputy commissioners from across the region.

Officials said that in view of the prevailing security situation and government instructions, all processions must conclude before sunset, while the duration of scheduled gatherings has been reduced by half to minimize security risks.

Police, Elite Force units, Dolphin Force teams, motorcycle squads and Quick Response Force contingents will remain on active duty throughout the day. Authorities have also installed CCTV cameras linked to the Safe City monitoring system to ensure real-time surveillance and video recording of all events.

To strengthen protection, three-layer security arrangements have been implemented. Participants will undergo physical searches using metal detectors and walk-through gates. Routes of processions and venues of religious gatherings will be screened in advance by bomb disposal squads and the Special Branch.

Additional measures include sealing adjoining streets with barbed wire and barricades, while entry and exit points will be restricted to designated routes. Sensitive locations will be monitored through CCTV and drone cameras, and snipers will be deployed on rooftops along procession routes.

Authorities have also directed strict implementation of the government’s code of conduct with the cooperation of religious scholars, peace committees, traders and local administration to maintain law and order.

Meanwhile, security around markets, banks and shopping centres has been further tightened during the final days of Ramadan. Police checkpoints have been established at key locations, while Dolphin and patrolling units have been instructed to intensify surveillance to prevent street crime.