Technology helps fuse security, facilities monitoring

Anti-smog guns, sprinkler systems deployed to provide relief to mourners

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has announced the introduction of an administrative and security model combining command-and-control measures with public facilitation initiatives during Muharram.

According to a statement, the government has deployed anti-smog guns and sprinkler systems in various districts to spray water along procession routes to provide relief to mourners amid intense heat and humid weather conditions. Cold drinking water is also available at various locations.

The government said all 4,836 imambargahs across Punjab had been linked through a QR-code system, enabling authorities to maintain digital connectivity with organisers and facilitate rapid response where required.

Medical and emergency services, including Rescue 1122, civil defence personnel, mobile health units, field hospitals and volunteers, have been deployed to serve mourners. Sanitation workers have also been assigned to ensure cleanliness along procession routes and around gathering sites.

A three-tier security plan has been implemented with about 125,000 police personnel deployed, while 61 companies of the Pakistan Army and 76 of Rangers have been requisitioned to support security arrangements. In addition, over 30,000 trained volunteers are assisting law-enforcement agencies.

Authorities are using surveillance technologies, including artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems, CCTV cameras, body cameras and geo-tagged video monitoring.

The Provincial Intelligence Centre is conducting round-the-clock monitoring of processions and majalis through a digital surveillance wall.

The government said over 5,600 CCTV cameras were operational for Muharram monitoring, while more than 1,000 4G cameras had been installed at sensitive locations.

To counter hate speech and sectarian content, a cyber patrolling unit has been activated. Officials said more than 6,000 objectionable social media accounts and pieces of content had been reported to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The government has also launched an LTE-based communication network to maintain coordination among security agencies in areas where mobile phone services may be suspended.

Authorities reiterated that no new processions or routes would be permitted beyond those already licensed and traditionally observed. A hotline remains operational between the provincial government and interfaith and inter-sect harmony committees to address any emerging concerns.

Real-time monitoring of processions, majalis and sensitive locations is being carried out through Safe City Authority and private surveillance cameras, while the provincial control room will remain functional round the clock.

A ban remains in force on the use of drones across Punjab during Muharram. Section 144 has also been imposed, prohibiting the display of weapons, rooftop gatherings along procession routes, misuse of loudspeakers, wall chalking and inflammatory speeches.

The provincial government had announced a ban on pillion riding on Muharram 9 and 10 across Punjab.

The cabinet committee on law and order earlier completed visits to all nine divisions of the province to review the arrangements.

Officials said walk-through gates and metal detectors had been installed at entry and exit points of major procession routes, while security agencies continued to monitor suspicious activities and individuals.

According to official estimates, a total of 47,280 majalis and processions will be organised across Punjab during Muharram.

Thousands of mourners participated in processions and mourning gatherings on the ninth of Muharram in Lahore.

The main procession commenced from Pandu Street in Krishan Nagar and passed through its designated route via Neeli Bar Chowk and Civil Secretariat Chowk before concluding at Imambargah Khaima-e-Sadat.

Prayers were offered at designated points along the route.

Provincial Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique and Bilal Yasin, along with Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, visited Bibi Pak Daman shrine, the Punjab Safe Cities Authority headquarters and the Provincial Control Room of the home department to review security arrangements.

Officials said while briefing them that the processions and gatherings were being monitored through 43 Smart Safe City centres across Punjab. More than 5,600 surveillance cameras, 130 drones and 400 panic buttons had been deployed to strengthen security at sensitive locations and procession routes.

The senior minister said close coordination among the Punjab Police, PSCA and district administrations was helping maintain law and order.

Meanwhile, Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari visited a historic

Imambargah in Kamalia reviewed the arrangements and interacted with women attending a majlis.