Chehlum, Urs of Data conclude under tightened security

LAHORE:

The Chehlum of Imam Hussain (RA) and the concluding ceremonies of the Urs of Data Ali Hajveri, widely known as Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), were observed across Punjab on Friday under extensive security arrangements.

Authorities confirmed that all processions, majalis, and Urs gatherings concluded peacefully, with no major incidents reported.

This year, the 20th of Safar in the Islamic calendar coincided with both the Chehlum and the third and final day of the Urs celebrations in Lahore.

Over 37,000 police officers and personnel were deployed across the province to ensure security at 644 majalis and 392 mourning processions. In Lahore alone, 44 majalis and 14 processions were held, guarded by over 12,000 officers.

DIG Operations Lahore Faisal Kamran personally inspected the route of the main Chehlum procession from Haveli Alf Shah in the inner city.

Security forces sealed connecting streets, stationed snipers on rooftops, and monitored routes via real-time CCTV provided by the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. Walk-through gates, 6,753 metal detectors, and 926 checkpoints were set up for screening.

Women officers were deployed for women and children, while plainclothes personnel monitored crowds.

"Maintaining peace and protecting every citizen is our mission," Kamran said, urging public cooperation during sensitive occasions.

Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar praised the "excellent security arrangements" and commended the CCPO Lahore, DIG Operations, and senior officers for their coordination.

He noted that law enforcement agencies had been on high alert for several days, implementing measures against one-wheeling, aerial firing, and other violations during both the religious observances and Independence Day celebrations earlier in the week.

Police reported 277 arrests and 249 cases during the crackdown, including 162 arrests for one-wheeling and 13 for aerial firing.

Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, who also chairs the Punjab Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, visited the Home Department's central control room to review live monitoring.

He was joined by Acting Chief Secretary Punjab Ahmad Raza Sarwar, Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi, and other senior officials.

Rafique reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring peace, protecting lives and property, and guaranteeing complete religious freedom. He said authorities had engaged scholars and community leaders from all sects throughout Muharram to promote unity and harmony.

The Acting Chief Secretary added that all relevant departments - including police, Rescue 1122, and traffic authorities - remained on high alert until the safe return of mourners and devotees. The Home Secretary said a zero-tolerance policy was being enforced against sectarian hate speech, with the provincial cyber-patrolling cell monitoring and taking action against violators.

Special arrangements were made in Lahore for thousands of devotees attending the Urs.

Control rooms at provincial and district levels ensured continuous coordination among security and administrative agencies. Officials credited the joint efforts of Punjab Police, the Home Department, district administrations, and religious leaders for the peaceful conclusion of both events.