RAWALPINDI: As part of the Safe City Project, up to 1,700 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed at around 300 points across the garrison city to monitor the routes of the Muharram processions, in addition to other devices and personnel deployed to ensure foolproof security, a senior police officer said.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Kashif Zulfiqar on Tuesday visited the Central District Control Room, established at the Safe City Project facility, to oversee monitoring of the Muharram processions.

Kashif Zulfiqar said that the Muharram processions would be monitored through Safe City cameras, and security would be provided for 1,796 majalis and 413 processions.

He said that, in line with the Punjab chief minister’s directives, foolproof security arrangements would be ensured, with more than 8,000 police personnel, including traffic police, deployed in the district for security purposes.

As part of the contingency plan chalked out by the district police to ensure peaceful Muharram processions, immediate legal action will be taken against the dissemination of religious and sectarian hatred on social media.

Additionally, more than 1,000 volunteers will assist with security. Special training for these volunteers has been arranged at the Police Lines Headquarters.

As part of the contingency plan, no person will be allowed to enter the processions without a body search. Parking will not be allowed near Imambargahs, and adjacent roads and streets along the procession routes will be sealed with barbed wire and containers.

The Punjab government’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) and code of conduct regarding Muharramul Haram will be implemented. Legal action is being taken in cases of non-registration of hostels, hotels and inns.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2025