LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar has put all the senior field police officers of the province on high alert about the possible backlash/reaction during Muharram in the wake of the Iran-Israel war.

In a meeting called to review the security arrangements in Punjab for Muharram on Monday, the IGP said there were some reports that the anti-state elements might exploit the sentiments of a sect to sabotage peace of the largest province.

Declaring security for Muharram-2025 highly sensitive as compared to the previous ones, Mr Anwar was of the view that the police officers must come up with extraordinary measures by keeping an eye on the terrorists and other elements.

An official said the IG showed his serious concerns about any backlash in Punjab in the wake of Iran-Israel war during Muharram and directed the field police officers to stay in contact with the religious leaders of all the sects to keep them on the same page in ensuring peace.

All the regional and district police officers of Punjab attended the meeting through video link while many others were present at the Central Police Office (CPO).

Dr Usman directed the police officers to enhance coordination with the district administrations, peace committees and community leaders and take them into confidence regarding the new situation and prepare strategies accordingly.

It should be the utmost priority and responsibility of police officers to manage and neutralise any possible reaction in Punjab in the wake of the Iran-Israel war, particularly, after the US attacks in Iran, the IG said.

Separately, the Punjab Police launched and intensified search, sweep and combing operations across the province in connection with the Muharram security arrangements.

A police spokesperson said 373 combing operations were conducted in the last 24 hours across the province, 12,174 suspects were questioned while 35 of them were detained for further interrogation. During 23 search and sweep operations across Punjab, the police questioned 2,549 individuals and arrested three key suspects.

Additionally, 228 proclaimed offenders, 85 court absconders and 56 habitual criminals involved in heinous crimes were also arrested during the same period.

The spokesperson said a large quantity of illegal weapons was recovered from the possession of criminals and the suspects.

During operations against criminals, four of them were neutralised while six others were arrested in injured condition. He said the IG Punjab emphasized that search, sweep, and combing operations would continue across the province to ensure the accountability of terrorists and anti-state elements to ensure peace during the holy month of Muharram.

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2025