Rawalpindi/Islamabad – With Muharram approaching, authorities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have finalised a comprehensive security plan to ensure public safety during the religious observances, particularly on Ashura. Over 20,000 police and law enforcement personnel will be deployed across both cities.
In Rawalpindi alone, more than 10,000 officers from the police, Rangers, and other security agencies will be on duty. The Pakistan Army has also been placed on high alert, while mobile and internet services will be suspended in sensitive areas from the 7th to the 10th of Muharram as a precautionary measure.
As part of the heightened security arrangements, all police leaves have been cancelled. The district administration has also imposed a ban on the entry of 65 religious figures known for delivering provocative speeches, in an effort to maintain sectarian harmony.
A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Express Tribune that the Rawalpindi police, in coordination with various law enforcement agencies, has developed a “foolproof” strategy to manage security throughout Muharram.
According to the plan, over 1,500 Majalis (religious gatherings) and more than 100 mourning processions will be held across Rawalpindi. All events have been categorised into three security tiers: A (highly sensitive), B (sensitive), and C (moderately sensitive). At least five processions have been placed in Category A, while all processions from 7th to 10th Muharram have been classified as high risk.
Twelve Imam bargahs in the city have also been declared highly sensitive, with security personnel being deployed from Saturday. In addition, police have been directed to take immediate action against anyone distributing hate literature or engaging in wall chalking with sectarian messages. Offenders will be arrested under Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), among other laws.
Authorities have also warned that social media could be used to incite sectarian tension during Muharram. To counter this, a dedicated social media monitoring unit has been formed within the Rawalpindi police, which will coordinate with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to detect and respond to any inflammatory content online.
To secure mourning processions, all adjoining roads, alleys, markets, and public spaces along the routes will be sealed off. Restrictions will be placed on public transport, including the Metro Bus service, and there will be a complete ban on carrying weapons, rooftop gatherings, and accommodating guests in hotels near procession routes.
The Punjab government is also expected to impose a temporary ban on pillion riding in Rawalpindi on the day of Ashura to enhance public safety.
More than 500 CCTV cameras will be installed across key locations, including Iqbal Road, Fawara Chowk, Raja Bazaar, Dingi Khoi, Urdu Bazaar Chowk, Jamia Masjid Road, Murree Road, Committee Chowk, and Liaquat Road. These cameras will be monitored 24/7 from a control room set up at Fawara Chowk, which will be staffed by police, Rangers, elite commandos, and district administration officers in rotating shifts.
Elite force commandos will also be positioned on rooftops along key procession routes. Organisers of Sabeels (drinks) and Langar (free food) stalls have been instructed to obtain prior permission from the district administration; unapproved distribution will be prohibited. Separate screening arrangements will be in place for male and female mourners, and aerial surveillance will support ground monitoring of sensitive areas.
In Islamabad, police have also devised detailed security arrangements. According to the capital’s police spokesperson, around 10,000 personnel will be deployed throughout Muharram. The plan was finalised in a high-level meeting chaired by DIG Operations Sohail Zafar Chatha.
As Muharram approaches, authorities urge the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, follow official advisories, and avoid any activity that could disturb communal peace.
