• Over 5,500 security personnel on high alert to guard the main procession as it traces its traditional route from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain to Imambargah Qadeemi
• Aerial surveillance of processions, sensitive locations, installation of anti-drone systems and mobile jamming arrangements at selected points
• Metro bus service to remain suspended in twin cities today

RAWALPINDI: Security arrangements have been put in place for Ashura Muharram 10 in Rawalpindi, where five Army companies, seven Rangers companies and thousands of police personnel have been deployed as the city is set to observe the day with religious fervour.

On the recommendation of intelligence agencies, the Punjab government has suspended the Metro Bus Service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Friday. Officials said the mourning procession would pass along Murree Road from Bhabra Bazaar to Committee Chowk beneath the metro track, creating security concerns.

An important meeting chaired by Punjab Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bherth was held at the Commissioner’s Office to review Muharram arrangements and the route of the main Ashura procession. Commissioner Abdul Aamer Khattak, RPO Babar Sarfraz Alpa, Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema, CPO Khalid Hamdani and representatives of civic and emergency departments attended the meeting.

The provincial minister said maintaining law and order was a collective responsibility and that the Punjab government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards violations of the Muharram code of conduct.

He directed authorities to continue cleanliness drives on procession routes and ensure the availability of drinking water, facilitation centres, washrooms, streetlights and drainage facilities for mourners.

He said a foolproof security plan had been implemented, including aerial surveillance of processions and sensitive locations, installation of anti-drone systems and mobile jamming arrangements at selected points.

Officials informed the meeting that 155 processions and 1,332 religious gatherings had been held between 1st and 8th Muharram.

The main Ashura procession will start from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain in Taili Mohallah and culminate at Imambargah Qadeemi. It will include processions from Imambargah Hefaz Ali Shah, Imambargah Shaheedan-e-Karbala, Imambargah Shah Chan Chirag and Imambargah Yadgar-e-Hussain.

The 11th Muharram procession will start from Naseerabad and culminate at Imambargah Sakhi Shah Pyara via Chur Chowk.

Authorities said triple-layer security comprising police, Rangers and Army personnel had been arranged for processions and gatherings.

Two video monitoring control rooms, one at the Punjab Safe Cities Authority and another at the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation, will continuously monitor processions, gatherings and sensitive locations.

Commissioner Khattak said Rescue 1122 and health institutions would deploy 57 ambulances, while 537 beds had been reserved in public and private hospitals to deal with any emergency.

The meeting also reviewed social media monitoring, coordination with peace committees and stakeholders, surveillance of suspicious activities and measures to promote sectarian harmony. Section 144 will remain in force across the district, while the activities of 14 individuals included in the Fourth Schedule will be closely monitored.

Later, the provincial minister, accompanied by the deputy commissioner, visited the main procession route, Safe City Control Room, Central Control Room and Raja Bazaar to review arrangements.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi police said more than 8,000 personnel would perform security duties during Muharram, including 5,500 deployed for the main Ashura procession. Over 1,200 traffic police officials will manage traffic, while more than 1,000 volunteers will assist police.

According to a police spokesman, roads and streets along procession routes will be sealed, snipers will be deployed on rooftops, and participants will undergo body searches before entering processions.

Women participants will be checked by female police personnel, while metal detectors and walk-through gates will be used for screening.

More than 2,000 Safe City and other CCTV cameras are monitoring the city, with surveillance continuing from Safe City and the central control room. Special pickets have also been established at entry and exit points of the city.

Police have also developed a mobile application for the identification and scanning of identity cards at pickets and bus terminals.

Officials said strict implementation of the Punjab government’s code of conduct and standard operating procedures would be ensured.

A total of 475 processions and 2,201 majalis of varying sensitivity categories are scheduled to be held across Rawalpindi district during Muharram.

Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2026