Imambargahs to have panic buttons

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered the implementation of a comprehensive security plan for Muharram and appealed to organisers of religious gatherings to immediately download and activate QR-coded panic buttons installed at 4,700 Imambargahs across the province.

During a briefing on Muharram arrangements, the chief minister was informed that the QR-coded panic button system had been introduced for the first time in Punjab.

Officials said that upon scanning the code, the relevant security and administrative agencies would be alerted instantly to respond without delay.

The CM ordered authorities to ensure province-wide combing operations and real-time intelligence sharing at all cost.

She ordered that a three-tier security plan be enforced throughout the month.

She was informed that the use of drones during Muharram had been banned and unlawful use of loudspeakers would not be permitted. The Punjab government will arrange cold and sweet drinking water stalls for mourners, while the Suthra Punjab Authority has been directed to ensure the use of fragrance along the routes of processions and at venues of religious gatherings.

The officials said 47,280 religious gatherings and processions would be organised across Punjab during Muharram, including 37,868 majalis and 9,412 processions.

A total of 125,641 police personnel will perform security duties. To strengthen security arrangements, 61 companies of Pakistan Army and 76 of Rangers have been requisitioned.

Additionally, 30,445 trained volunteers will assist law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order.

The Punjab Safe Cities Authority will carry out live digital monitoring of processions as 5,623 CCTV cameras have been activated across the province, while 1,040 body cameras and drones will be deployed for field surveillance. Over 1,000 advanced 4G cameras have also been installed at highly sensitive locations.