RAWALPINDI: More than 14,000 police personnel will be deployed to ensure the peaceful conduct of 1,065 processions and 4,813 majalis to be held from 1st to 30th Muharram in the Rawalpindi region, including Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal.

Of the 1,065 processions, 116 have been categorised as ‘A’ (highly sensitive), 120 as ‘B’ (less sensitive), while 829 have been placed in category ‘C’ (low sensitive). Likewise, 478 majalis have been placed in category ‘A’, 414 in category ‘B’ and 3,921 in category ‘C’ across the Rawalpindi region.

Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi Region Babar Sarfaraz Alpa said special control rooms had been established at the regional and district levels for effective monitoring and dissemination of information, as foolproof security arrangements had been completed regarding Muharramul Haram.

A total of 4,813 majalis and 1,065 processions will be held in the Rawalpindi region from 1st Muharram to 30th Muharram. From 1st to 10th Muharram, 4,376 majalis and 759 processions will be held in the region, a police spokesman said.

Special control rooms established as police finalise security, traffic arrangements for 1,065 processions, 4,813 majalis across four districts

During the first 10 days of Muharram, more than 14,000 officers and personnel of the Rawalpindi region will perform security duties. On this occasion, RPO Rawalpindi Region Babar Sarfaraz Alpa said special control rooms had been established at the regional and district levels for effective monitoring and dissemination of information.

The code of conduct and SOPs issued by the Punjab government will be strictly implemented. During Muharram ul Haram, all officers and officials will remain alert and ensure effective monitoring of sensitive places, imam bargahs and processions.

Other law enforcement agencies will maintain full coordination with the police. Monitoring through Safe City cameras, as well as search, sweep, combing and intelligence-based operations, will also be intensified. Strict legal action will be taken against those spreading religious hatred and inflammatory content on social media.

Alternative traffic plans have been prepared to ensure smooth traffic arrangements and flow during processions. According to the plan, traffic police officers and personnel will perform duties to maintain traffic flow on the routes of processions and gatherings.

The RPO added that, in line with the directions of the Inspector General of Police Punjab, all available resources were being utilised to maintain law and order in the Rawalpindi region.

He said the protection of citizens’ lives and property and a peaceful environment would be ensured at all costs during Muharram.

Meanwhile, Chief Traffic Officer Rawalpindi Farhan Aslam has issued a detailed traffic plan to regulate traffic during Muharram-ul-Haram processions and majalis.

As part of the plan, more than 980 officers and personnel of the Rawalpindi Traffic Police will perform duties during Muharram ul Haram. In view of security concerns, traffic will be diverted to alternative routes during the timings of majalis and processions in coordination with the district police.

Additional personnel have also been deployed to keep traffic flowing on alternative routes. Specific routes will remain open for the movement of ambulances and other emergency vehicles. No parking will be allowed around the venues of majalis and processions.

On this occasion, Chief Traffic Officer Rawalpindi Farhan Aslam said action against vehicles without number plates and those with black-tinted windows had been further intensified to ensure security during Muharram.

He further said that teamwork and complete coordination would be ensured to prevent terrorism and sabotage and maintain law and order.

He also appealed to citizens to use alternative routes during Muharram processions and follow the instructions issued by the traffic police.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026