LAHORE, June 25 — LAHORE, June 25 — Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed law enforcement agencies to launch an immediate crackdown on individuals spreading hate speech and sectarian content on social media ahead of the holy month of Muharram. The directive was issued during a high-level meeting convened to review provincial preparations for Muharram processions and gatherings.
In her remarks, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining religious harmony and instructed authorities to take swift action against those promoting inflammatory content online. She also ordered a complete ban on displaying banners, posters, wall-chalking, and the flying of drones during Muharram, with violators to be arrested immediately.
CM Maryam Nawaz further called on ministers, commissioners, deputy commissioners, Regional Police Officers (RPOs), and District Police Officers (DPOs) to personally oversee the implementation of security plans in their respective jurisdictions. She stressed the need for mock drills, clear communication, and the strict enforcement of the government’s code of conduct.
To facilitate mourners during Ashura processions, she ordered the setup of sabeels (refreshment stalls) and the provision of cold water, lemon water, and other cooling measures to prevent heatstroke. In light of rising temperatures, she instructed local administrations to install water sprinklers along procession routes and to prepare mobile clinics and field hospitals for medical emergencies.
The Chief Minister also expressed concern over public infrastructure, calling for proper coverage of open manholes and repairs to damaged roads, especially along procession routes. She ordered that streetlights remain operational throughout Ashura and warned against any electricity outages during processions. “Every year patchwork is done before Muharram—how is it that potholes still reappear? This must be addressed,” she said.
Highlighting the sensitive geopolitical climate, she warned that enemies of Pakistan could attempt to exploit the occasion to incite unrest. “The success of Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos has rattled negative forces. All stakeholders must remain alert,” she cautioned.
Meanwhile, Punjab Police have finalized their province-wide security plan for Muharram. Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar chaired a video conference at the Central Police Office to review preparations. According to Additional IG Operations Shahzada Sultan, over 38,000 Majalis and more than 9,200 mourning processions are expected to take place across Punjab. More than 232,000 officers and personnel will be deployed, including 28,000 in Lahore alone.
In addition to official deployment, more than 53,000 community volunteers and 38,000 procession volunteers will assist in maintaining peace and order. The IG directed all officers to fully implement standard operating procedures and coordinate closely with peace committees, religious scholars, and procession organizers. He stressed that any potential flashpoints should be preemptively addressed through community engagement and inter-sectarian dialogue.
The Punjab Police will also receive full support from the Pakistan Army, Rangers, and other security agencies during the first 10 days of Muharram to ensure public safety.
With a strict zero-tolerance policy in place and multi-agency coordination underway, the Punjab government aims to ensure a peaceful and safe observance of Muharram across the province.
