The Punjab government has mandated comprehensive security measures throughout the province for Muharram, focusing on stringent oversight of religious events, electronic surveillance, and strict action against sectarian hate speech. These steps aim to prevent sectarian conflicts and safeguard Muharram processions and majalis.
On Friday, the Punjab Home Department issued detailed instructions to law enforcement agencies and district administrations. Only processions that are legally licensed and traditionally approved will be allowed, with strict adherence to designated routes and timings.
Notably, the directive enforces a zero-tolerance approach to violations of the Loudspeaker Act, prohibiting any offensive speeches targeting sects or religious schools of thought.
In a significant development, the provincial government has authorized the deployment of mobile signal jammers along sensitive procession routes to reduce the threat of remote-controlled explosive devices. Police are also required to obtain written safety certificates from event organizers, while all gatherings must be recorded through audio and video documentation.
Additional measures include establishing vehicle parking zones at least 500 yards away from religious venues, closing commercial markets and shops along procession paths, and intensifying 24/7 monitoring of hotels and inns near sensitive areas.
Meanwhile, in rural and border regions, enhanced drone surveillance will be conducted along inter-provincial borders and riverine (kacha) areas known for lawlessness, aiming to curb the movement of criminals.
Recognizing the growing threat of digital extremism, the home department has introduced strict cyber-monitoring protocols to intercept sectarian or extremist content across social media, electronic, and print media platforms. District administrations have been empowered to ban provocative speakers from entering certain districts or impose speech restrictions (Zuban-bandi).
Furthermore, intelligence agencies will maintain vigilant surveillance over individuals listed on the “Fourth Schedule,” a watch list of suspects linked to banned or militant groups.
The provincial police chief has been instructed to provide daily reports to the home department detailing intelligence-led sweeps, search operations, and surprise security checks. All divisional and district control rooms will be connected directly to a central command center at the home department to facilitate real-time coordination.
Separately, the directive underscores that security arrangements for foreign nationals, especially Chinese citizens, along with foreign missions and consulates in the province, must be implemented rigorously alongside the Muharram security deployment.
