Metro Bus to remain closed in Multan on 9th Muharram

The district administration of Multan announced to close Metro Bus Service on 9th of Muharram, Saturday, due to security purposes, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The district administration has adopted strict measures to ensure security for Muharram majalis and processions in Multan.

Over 147,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed across Punjab to ensure peaceful observance of 9th and 10th of Muharram.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab, Dr Usman Anwar, said that Section 144 is being strictly enforced. Activities such as aerial firing, display of weapons, and spreading of hateful content are strictly prohibited, he added, and said that multiple agencies, including the CTD, Special Branch, Traffic Police, Dolphin Squad, and PERU are actively engaged in security operations.

The IG also directed strict implementation of the Loudspeaker Act and an ongoing crackdown on hate speech on social media platforms.

Dr Usman urged all religious communities to promote interfaith harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect, directing senior officers (RPOs, CPOs, and DPOs) to personally oversee field security operations on Youm-e-Ashura.

In the past 24 hours, Punjab Police registered 20 FIRs and arrested 22 individuals for uploading objectionable or hateful content online. Offending posts were mostly found on Facebook (22 cases), followed by WhatsApp (5) and other platforms (8). In the past five days, 103 cases have been registered and 119 arrests made, the spokesperson added.

Reporter: Gohar Rehman Sheikh