On the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order visited the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) headquarters on Ashura to review security arrangements across the province.
The high-level delegation included Cabinet Committee Chairman and Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, Housing Minister Bilal Yasin, and Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman. They were accompanied by Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, DIG Special Branch Khurram Shahzad, and Commissioner Lahore Zaid Bin Maqsood.
At the PSCA’s Monitoring Hall, live surveillance footage of Ashura processions from multiple districts was observed. MD Safe Cities Authority, Muhammad Ahsan Younis, briefed the committee on the province-wide security measures in place.
The Authority is currently monitoring 2,845 processions and 2,502 Majalis (gatherings) using a robust network of 22,000 cameras installed across Punjab, including Lahore.
Speaking to media, Khawaja Salman Rafique said Ashura is being observed with religious devotion and peace, crediting the tireless efforts of law enforcement and administration. “On CM’s instructions, Cabinet members have been in the field throughout Muharram to directly supervise security arrangements,” he stated.
Bilal Yasin emphasized that all district administrations and police remain actively deployed to maintain law and order, while Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman highlighted the role of the Cyber Patrol Cell in curbing online hate speech.
“We are following a zero-tolerance policy against those spreading sectarianism on social media,” he said, revealing that 1,834 accounts were flagged for sectarian content and 185 individuals have been arrested.
Punjab Home Secretary assured that all personnel will remain on high alert until the safe return of all mourners, reaffirming the province’s unwavering commitment to peace and religious harmony during Muharram.