Special security arrangements in place across Punjab for Youm-e-Ali (RA): Minister Salman

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Mar, 2026) Punjab Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that special security arrangements are being made across the province on the occasion of Youm-e-Ali (RA) to ensure peace and religious harmony.

He expressed these views during his visit to the Central Control Room of the Home Department on Wednesday in connection with the peacekeeping mission for the martyrdom day of Hazrat Ali (RA). Co-Chairman of the committee Bilal Yasin was also present on the occasion.

Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi briefed the participants about the overall security situation across the province from the central control room. The cabinet committee reviewed the live monitoring of processions and religious gatherings taking place across Punjab.

During the briefing, it was informed that a total of 965 gatherings and 205 processions across the province are being monitored through the Home Department’s Central Control Room, which has been linked with district control rooms throughout Punjab. The committee also contacted control rooms in various districts to obtain updates on the security situation.

Khawaja Salman Rafique said that on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, all 1,170 processions and gatherings are being closely monitored across the province on the occasion of Youm-e-Ali (RA). He added that special security arrangements have been made for the day, with additional personnel deployed at mosques, imambargahs, places of worship and shrines.

He said that disaster management agencies including Rescue 1122, Civil Defence and the Health Department have been placed on high alert. The minister also stated that the government is following a zero-tolerance policy against individuals spreading sectarianism on social media.

Co-Chairman Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Bilal Yasin said that all available resources are being utilised to maintain law and order in the province. He added that the administration, police and other relevant authorities are working in coordination to maintain religious harmony.

He further said that strong security measures should be ensured at entry and exit points of all cities, while speakers must refrain from making objectionable or provocative speeches against any sect. He also reminded that there is a strict ban on the display of weapons across Punjab.

Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi said that aerial surveillance of major processions is being carried out through quadcopters. He added that the Home Department’s Cyber Patrol Cell is taking action against individuals involved in spreading sectarian content online.

He urged citizens to report sectarian content on social media through WhatsApp numbers 03073087777 and 03073097777. He also said that all security personnel will remain on duty until the processions and gatherings are completely dispersed.

Special Secretary Home Fazalur Rehman, Special Secretary Home Zainab Khan, Additional Secretary Internal Security and representatives of law enforcement agencies were also present in the control room.