Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif reviews Muharram arrangements, orders intensified security operations

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the implementation of a comprehensive three-tier security plan across the province for Muharram-ul-Haram and urged organisers of religious gatherings to activate QR-coded panic buttons installed at 4,700 Imambargahs to ensure swift emergency response

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jun, 2026) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the implementation of a comprehensive three-tier security plan across the province for Muharram-ul-Haram and urged organisers of religious gatherings to activate QR-coded panic buttons installed at 4,700 Imambargahs to ensure swift emergency response.

Chairing a meeting to review Muharram arrangements, security measures and administrative preparedness, here on Monday, the chief minister was informed that the QR-coded panic button system have been introduced for the first time in Punjab. Officials briefed the meeting that scanning the QR code would instantly alert relevant security and administrative agencies, enabling an immediate response.

CM Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to ensure province-wide combing operations, real-time intelligence sharing and strict enforcement of the three-tier security plan throughout Muharram. She also ordered intensified intelligence-based operations against anti-state elements and banned organisations.

The meeting was informed that the use of drones during Muharram have been completely banned, while strict action would be taken against any unlawful use of loudspeakers. The provincial government will establish cold and sweet drinking water stalls for mourners, while the Suthra Punjab Authority has been tasked with ensuring cleanliness and fragrance arrangements along procession routes and at religious gatherings.

According to the briefing, a total of 47,280 religious gatherings and processions, including 37,868 majalis and 9,412 processions, will be held across Punjab during Muharram. To ensure security, 125,641 police personnel will be deployed throughout the province. In addition, 61 companies of the Pakistan Army and 76 companies of Rangers have been requisitioned, while 30,445 trained volunteers will assist law enforcement agencies.

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The Punjab Safe Cities Authority will conduct live digital monitoring of Muharram activities through more than 5,623 CCTV cameras activated across the province. Officials said 1,040 body cameras and modern drones would be deployed for surveillance, while over 1,000 advanced 4g event cameras have been installed at highly sensitive locations.

The meeting was further informed that LTE coverage would be provided at district headquarters in 11 districts in the event of mobile service suspension. More than 1,400 officers will perform round-the-clock monitoring duties from Safe Cities control rooms.

Officials told the chief minister that 43 targeted intelligence-based operations have already been conducted across Punjab. The government has also imposed a complete ban on hate speech, wall chalking and the display of weapons. Restrictions have been imposed on 794 individuals to prevent provocative speeches and sectarian activities, while the entry of 1,418 persons into specified areas has been prohibited.

The meeting was informed that cyber response teams have been activated after identifying 359 social media accounts allegedly involved in spreading disorder and incitement. Authorities have also held 1,220 coordination meetings under district peace committees across the province.

The CM directed strict enforcement of approved routes and schedules for licensed processions, making it clear that no new procession or route would be permitted during Muharram and that any violation would face zero tolerance. Walk-through gates and metal detectors will also be installed at entry and exit points of processions to further strengthen security arrangements.