By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Lahore Police has finalised a comprehensive security strategy for Muharram-ul-Haram, with special arrangements made for 3,868 majalis and 458 processions scheduled across the provincial capital.
The security plan was outlined by Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana during a press conference held at Police Lines Qila Gujjar Singh. Senior police officers, including DIG Investigation Zeeshan Raza, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran, SSP Investigation Muhammad Naveed, SSP Operations Tauqeer Muhammad Naim, and SP Headquarters Munazza Karamat, were also present.
Security arrangements for majalis and processions
According to the CCPO, a total of 3,868 majalis will be held during Muharram, including 457 categorised as A-category, 2,610 as B-category, and 801 as C-category events.
Similarly, 458 processions are scheduled across Lahore, including 104 A-category, 308 B-category, and 46 C-category processions.
Police have also devised special security measures for 373 Imambargahs and 93 mosques to ensure the safety of mourners and worshippers throughout the holy month.
Deployment of personnel and control rooms
Bilal Siddique Kamyana said more than 100,000 security duties will be performed by Lahore Police officers and personnel on a rotational basis during Muharram.
To strengthen monitoring and coordination, nine dedicated control rooms have been established across the city. These centres will remain operational around the clock to oversee security arrangements and respond promptly to any emergency situation.
Enhanced surveillance and traffic management
The CCPO said an improved traffic management plan has been developed to minimise inconvenience to the public during major processions and religious gatherings.
Real-time monitoring of majalis and processions will be carried out through the Punjab Safe Cities Authority and district administration control rooms operating on a 24-hour basis.
Police will also utilise modern technology, including QR code-based systems and panic buttons, to further improve security and emergency response mechanisms.
Crime reduction and law enforcement performance
Providing an update on the overall law and order situation in Lahore, the CCPO stated that serious crimes in the city declined by 55 percent during 2026 compared with the previous year, while incidents of robbery fell by 58 percent.
He said police have recovered property worth more than Rs8 billion, including cash and valuables, and returned it to citizens since January 2023.
The police chief further revealed that more than 1.332 million pending challans have been submitted to courts, while over 100,000 proclaimed offenders have been arrested during various operations.
Three-tier security strategy
The CCPO said a three-layer security plan has been implemented to protect participants in Muharram gatherings and processions.
He emphasised that all field formations would remain on high alert throughout the month, while intelligence-based search and combing operations would continue across the city.
Bilal Siddique Kamyana reiterated that authorities would strictly enforce approved procession routes and timings, while maintaining a zero-tolerance policy regarding violations. He also stressed the strict implementation of restrictions on the misuse of loudspeakers in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
