Province-Wide Security Plan Activated
Punjab Police remained on high alert on Tuesday as Chehlum processions and religious gatherings began across the province.
The provincial government introduced extensive security measures to protect mourners, religious leaders and visitors. Police officers were deployed at procession routes, gathering places and other sensitive locations.
Authorities confirmed that 730 religious gatherings and 420 mourning processions were scheduled across Punjab. More than 42,000 police officers and personnel were assigned to security duties.
Punjab Police Inspector General Abdul Kareem directed senior officers to personally supervise the arrangements. Capital city, regional and district police chiefs were ordered to remain present in the field.
Police teams were instructed to maintain close coordination with community leaders, peace committees and civil society representatives. The measures were designed to ensure the peaceful observance of Chehlum and prevent any security incident.
Elite Force personnel, traffic police officers and registered volunteers were also deployed. They were assigned to support crowd control, traffic management and security screening.
Snipers were positioned on rooftops overlooking major procession routes. Female police officers were deployed to search women entering religious gatherings and procession areas.
Dedicated control rooms were established to monitor developments around the clock. Senior officials were instructed to respond immediately to any suspicious activity or emergency.
Over 10,000 Officers Deployed Across Lahore
Lahore received one of the largest security deployments in the province.
More than 10,000 police officers and personnel were assigned to protect 44 religious gatherings and 17 mourning processions in the provincial capital.
Authorities installed 390 walk-through gates and deployed 6,427 metal detectors for security screening across Punjab. Participants were required to pass through designated entry points before joining major gatherings.
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority used its surveillance camera network to monitor procession routes, entry points and sensitive locations.
Artificial intelligence-supported surveillance and drone monitoring were also deployed around the Data Darbar shrine and nearby roads. A central control room maintained direct coordination with police and other law enforcement agencies.
Special security arrangements were introduced for visitors attending the annual Data Darbar commemoration. Police monitored the shrine, surrounding roads and major access points throughout the day.
Traffic police officers were stationed along important routes to manage congestion and guide motorists towards alternative roads.
Main Lahore Procession Placed Under Three-Tier Security
Lahore’s main Chehlum procession began from Haveli Alif Shah inside Delhi Gate under strict security.
The procession was scheduled to follow its traditional route before concluding at Karbala Gamay Shah.
Participants were allowed to enter only after completing a three-tier security screening process. Walk-through gates, metal detectors and electronic barriers were installed at major entry points.
Streets and narrow lanes connected to the procession route were sealed with temporary barricades and barbed wire. Police teams searched buildings and monitored rooftops along the route.
CCTV cameras provided continuous surveillance, while snipers remained stationed on high-rise buildings overlooking the procession.
Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit teams conducted regular patrols around the route. Mobile units were also positioned nearby to respond quickly to any emergency.
Police advised citizens to cooperate with security officers and avoid bringing prohibited items into procession areas.
Authorities said the security deployment would remain active until all processions, religious gatherings and Data Darbar events concluded peacefully.
