Requests services of 137 companies of personnel deployed in 39 districts of province
Pakistani Rangers patrol near the President’s house, as Pakistan prepares to host the US and Iran for peace talks in Islamabad on April 10. Photo: Reuters
LAHORE:
Punjab has requested the deployment of Pakistan Army and Rangers personnel across the province to ensure security during Muharram, according to an official statement issued on Sunday.
A letter from the provincial home department has been sent to the Ministry of Interior seeking the services of security forces to maintain law and order and ensure the peaceful observance of Muharram processions and gatherings.
According to the notification, the request was made in view of the prevailing security environment and the need to establish a “deliberate and foolproof security mechanism” during Muharram to counter potential threats posed by terrorists and other miscreants.
The deployment request was submitted on the recommendations of the Provincial Police Officer and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab.
According to a Punjab Home Department spokesperson, the province has sought the deployment of 137 companies of Army and Rangers personnel across 39 districts. The request includes 61 companies of the Pakistan Army and 76 companies of the Rangers.
The notification contains a detailed district-wise deployment plan for key districts throughout Punjab. Troops are proposed to be deployed for varying periods from Muharram 1st to the 10th, 11th, or 12th, depending on local security requirements.
Major deployments have been proposed for Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Gujranwala, Sargodha and other districts, with varying numbers of Army and Rangers companies assigned for security duties during sensitive Muharram days.
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Some districts, including Kasur and Murree, have not been allocated Army or Rangers personnel, while others, such as Lahore, Faisalabad and Pakpattan, have been assigned larger contingents due to anticipated security requirements.
The home department stated that law enforcement agencies would perform their duties to ensure a peaceful environment and effective security arrangements during the religious observances.
The spokesperson added that the request was forwarded to the Ministry of Interior on the recommendation of the Punjab Police to further strengthen security measures during Muharram.
