By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Lahore Police have stepped up security measures across the provincial capital for Muharram-ul-Haram, placing the city on high alert and intensifying enforcement of tenancy laws as authorities seek to ensure the safety of mourners and prevent any disruption to religious gatherings.
According to a statement issued by the Lahore Police spokesperson on Monday, a total of 416 Majalis and 59 mourning processions are being held across the city on the sixth of Muharram. Of the gatherings, 51 have been categorized as Category-A, 282 as Category-B and 83 as Category-C, prompting extensive security arrangements and deployment of a heavy police contingent.
Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana said security would remain at the highest level throughout the holy month and that Section 144, imposed under directives of the Punjab Home Department, was being strictly enforced.
He stressed that no Majlis or procession would be allowed to deviate from approved timings, routes and venues, warning that violations would not be tolerated.
Round-the-clock surveillance in place
The CCPO said all religious gatherings are being monitored around the clock through the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA), police control rooms and advanced surveillance systems.
He directed divisional superintendents of police to remain in close contact with peace committees, procession organizers and other stakeholders to prevent any untoward incident and maintain inter-sect harmony.
According to the police chief, intelligence-based operations and social media monitoring are also being utilized to detect and counter any attempt to spread sectarian hatred or create unrest.
“A strict vigil is being maintained on miscreants, while every effort is being made to ensure peaceful observance of Muharram,” he said.
Crackdown on tenancy law violations
As part of broader security arrangements, Lahore Police have intensified implementation of the Tenancy Act and launched a citywide crackdown against unregistered tenants and landlords violating legal requirements.
Police said 1,468 people have been arrested and 739 cases registered across various police stations during the current year for breaches of tenancy regulations.
According to official figures, 222 suspects were arrested in the City Division, 465 in the Saddar Division and 390 in Iqbal Town Division, while operations continued in other parts of the city.
Officials said the campaign aims to prevent criminals and anti-social elements from using unregistered residences as safe havens.
‘No compromise on security’
CCPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana described tenant registration as an essential element of Lahore’s security framework.
“Unregistered tenants may provide shelter to criminal elements. Therefore, there will be no compromise on security,” he said.
He added that Lahore Police are implementing all standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the Punjab Home Department for Muharram-ul-Haram.
Under these measures, unauthorized persons have been barred from occupying rooftops, buildings and elevated points located along procession routes. Authorities have also prohibited the storage of bricks, stones and other potentially dangerous materials on rooftops and structures situated near mourning processions.
Citizens urged to remain vigilant
The police chief urged landlords and tenants to ensure complete compliance with tenancy laws and government-issued security directives.
He also appealed to citizens to remain alert and immediately report suspicious activities through the Police Helpline 15.
Lahore Police reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order during Muharram-ul-Haram, saying all available resources were being utilized to provide a peaceful and secure environment for mourners and residents throughout the holy month.
Authorities have enhanced security arrangements and tightened enforcement of tenancy regulations to prevent any security threats during Muharram gatherings.
Thousands of police personnel and surveillance systems have been mobilized to protect mourners, while the crackdown on unregistered tenants aims to deny criminals potential hideouts.
Security measures, intelligence operations and monitoring are expected to remain in place throughout Muharram, with authorities warning that violations of SOPs and Section 144 will be dealt with strictly.
