Punjab govt maintains order

42,000 policemen, AI surveillance ensure peace across province

LAHORE:

The provincial capital and several cities across Punjab remained calm and business continued as usual on Friday, despite a nationwide strike call by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

Shops, markets and offices stayed open, traffic flowed smoothly and educational institutions functioned normally.

A spokesperson for the Lahore police said Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana personally supervised security operations during Friday prayers.

"Markets, roads, and commercial centres remained open, with traffic operating as usual.

Lahore Police ensured public safety through effective deployment and real-time surveillance," he said.

Under directives from CCPO Kamyana and Inspector General (IG) Punjab Dr Usman Anwar, supervisory and field officers closely monitored their respective jurisdictions.

The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) provided live surveillance from key intersections, while Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit (PRU) teams conducted continuous patrols.

CCPO Kamyana emphasised that ensuring peace and security is the police's top priority.

"No lapse will be tolerated in protecting the lives and property of citizens," he said, warning that any illegal gatherings or violent acts under the pretext of protest would be dealt with sternly. Section 144, which bans rallies, processions and display of weapons, remains in force across Punjab until October 18.

He further cautioned against hate speech, misuse of loudspeakers, and the spread of inflammatory content, warning that offenders would face legal action under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

DIG Operations Faisal Kamran visited key areas—including Shahdara, Data Darbar, Mahmood Booti, Mall Road, and Jail Road—to review security arrangements and boost police morale. He urged citizens to carry on their routines without fear.

Over 42,000 police personnel were deployed across Punjab to maintain order, supported by AI-assisted surveillance systems such as facial recognition, vehicle tracking, and Safe City monitoring tools.

By evening, police reported 624 arrests in Lahore and more than 5,100 across Punjab as part of the ongoing crackdown on TLP activists. Several of the group's offices, mosques, and seminaries were sealed and handed over to the Auqaf Department.

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) remanded 11 TLP workers into 10-day physical custody for investigation under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar reiterated that those inciting violence or damaging public property would be prosecuted under ATA and PECA.

"All major highways, including the Motorway, GT Road, and Ring Road, remained open and free of disruption," Dr Anwar confirmed.

Earlier on Monday, chaos gripped Muridke following violent clashes between Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan supporters and police as conflicting reports emerged over the whereabouts and condition of TLP chief Saad Rizvi.

Police have registered a terrorism case against leaders and workers of TLP following violent clashes in Muridke that left a police officer dead and several vehicles damaged.

According to an FIR filed at the Muridke City Police Station, TLP activists allegedly attacked a police party during protests, resisted official duty, and engaged in widespread rioting.