LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Kareem reviewed the security plan for Muharram at the Central Police Office here on Monday and directed the police officers to strictly follow the protocols issued in this regard.

Chairing the session, he said that during the Ashura days, Punjab police will have full support of the army, Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies, while additional force will be deployed at sensitive locations across the province, including Lahore.

He directed that security arrangements for Majalis and mourning processions should be completed before Muharram.

In view of the current situation in the region, he said, ensuring security during Muharram has become more challenging than before, directing the officers to perform their duties with full commitment.

The IGP said that anti-state elements may try to disturb law and order through terrorism, mischief and sectarian hatred, adding that the Punjab police were fully prepared to thwart such conspiracies.

He directed the regional and district police officers (RPOs and DPOs) to maintain a close liaison with the peace committees, scholars from different schools of thought, organisers of Majalis and processions, and other stakeholders, to preemptively resolve all issues.

He emphasised that all operational, logistical, transport, traffic, and anti-riot arrangements for Muharram should be completed according to the set timeline.

The officials of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), special branch, traffic police, Dolphin and PRU, along with other field formations, should perform their duties responsibly during Muharram.

He also directed the revision of Muharram security orders and special focus on flash and trouble points.

He said that to further strengthen sense of security among people, search, sweep and combing operations, along with flag marches, will be conducted in sensitive areas.

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2026