Muharram security tightened as 14,000 police deployed in Rawalpindi region
More than 14,000 police personnel will be deployed across the Rawalpindi region to ensure the peaceful conduct of Muharram gatherings, including 1,065 processions and 4,813 majalis scheduled from 1st to 30th Muharram.
According to police officials, the security deployment will cover Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal districts. Of the total processions, 116 have been classified as highly sensitive (Category A), 120 as Category B, and 829 as Category C. Similarly, among the majalis, 478 have been placed in Category A, 414 in Category B, and 3,921 in Category C.
Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi Region, Babar Sarfaraz Alpa, said special control rooms have been established at both regional and district levels to monitor the situation and ensure effective coordination during religious events. He added that all security arrangements have been finalised in accordance with the Punjab government’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
He further said that law enforcement agencies will maintain close coordination, while surveillance will be strengthened through Safe City cameras. Search, sweep, combing, and intelligence-based operations will also be intensified to ensure security, particularly at sensitive locations such as imambargahs and procession routes.
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Authorities have also prepared comprehensive traffic management plans to facilitate the smooth movement of traffic during Muharram processions. Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rawalpindi, Farhan Aslam, said that more than 980 traffic police personnel will be deployed to regulate traffic flow and implement diversions where necessary.
Alternative routes will be designated during procession timings, while specific lanes will remain open for ambulances and emergency vehicles. Parking around the procession and majlis venues will be strictly prohibited. The CTO added that strict action is being taken against vehicles without number plates and those with tinted windows as part of enhanced security measures.
Officials emphasised that full coordination between police and other agencies will be maintained to prevent any untoward incident. Citizens have also been urged to cooperate with authorities and use alternative routes during Muharram processions.
