LAHORE: An extensive security plan has been put in place for Youm-i-Ashur in the city and other parts of the province.

The caretaker Punjab government said on Friday that it mobilised the entire administration and police force of the province for security on Muharram and Ashura. On Youm-i-Ashur (Saturday) a substantial force of 100,000 personnel across the province will be deployed for security duties.

The officials, accompanied by the peace committees inspected the route of the main processions. The chief minister entrusted the provincial ministers with the responsibility of overseeing the security arrangements.

Emphasizing the importance of maintaining law and order during Muharram, the chief secretary said all possible measures had been taken and the administration, police, and law enforcement agencies were working day and night.

In case of rain, he said, procession route should be kept clear to ensure smooth proceedings.

Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar assured that security would remain on high alert throughout the processions and gatherings. He said that intelligence-based operations were being carried out to ensure fool-proof security, and the cooperation of scholars was being sought to maintain law and order.

Also, the Punjab government provided bomb disposal squad with 16 state-of-the-art bomb disposal response vehicles and modern equipment, worth Rs160 million. Caretaker Chief Ministe Mohsin Naqvi handed over these resources to the bomb disposal commanders of 16 districts at the civil secretariat.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2023