The Punjab government has sought the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Rangers to ensure peace and order during Muharram across the province. This initiative is part of a comprehensive security plan for the holy month’s sensitive period.
Sources reveal that the Punjab Home Department has requested the federal government to provide 160 companies of security forces: 81 companies of the Pakistan Rangers and 79 companies of the Army. These forces are to be deployed from 1 to 10 Muharram across various districts in Punjab to address potential security concerns.
This request highlights the critical importance of maintaining law and order during Muharram, a time marked by large processions and gatherings commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions.
To further ensure safety, directives have been issued to WAPDA and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) to inspect and secure wiring and resolve any gas leakage issues along the routes of Muharram processions. These preventive measures aim to eliminate hazards that could endanger participants or disrupt events.
Meanwhile, the government of Pakistan has announced two consecutive public holidays for Ashura, observed on Muharram 9 and 10. The exact dates for these holidays depend on the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s decision on the sighting of the Muharram moon. If the moon is sighted on the evening of July 6, Muharram 1 will fall on July 7, and Ashura will be observed on July 15 and 16, corresponding to Monday and Tuesday. Consequently, public holidays will be on July 15 and 16.
Alternatively, if the new Islamic year begins on July 8, Ashura will be marked on July 16 and 17, resulting in public holidays on July 16 and 17, which are Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
