Requests the services of 137 companies of personnel posted in 39 districts of the province
Pakistani Rangers patrol near the president’s house as Pakistan prepares to host the United States and Iran for peace talks in Islamabad on April 10. Photo: Reuters
LAHORE:
Punjab has requested 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 ministry has been sent to the home ministry requesting the services of security forces to maintain law and order and ensure peaceful observance of Muharram processions and gatherings.
According to the release, the request was made in view of the prevailing security environment and the need to establish a “conscious and foolproof security mechanism” during Muharram to counter potential threats from terrorists and other criminals.
The request for deployment was submitted on the recommendations of the provincial police and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab.
According to a Punjab Home Ministry spokesperson, the province has sought 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 implementation plan for key districts across Punjab. Troops are proposed to be deployed at different periods from Muharram 1st to 10th, 11th or 12th depending on local security requirements.
Larger deployments have been proposed for Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Gujranwala, Sargodha and other districts, with varying numbers of Army and Rangers companies assigned 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 allocated larger contingents due to anticipated security requirements.
The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that law enforcement agencies would perform their duties to ensure a peaceful environment and effective security arrangements during the religious holidays.
The spokesman added that the request was forwarded to the Home Ministry on the recommendation of the Punjab Police to further strengthen security measures during Muharram.
