Request services from 137 personnel companies deployed 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 department was sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking the services of security forces to maintain law and order and ensure peaceful celebration 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 possible threats posed by terrorists and other miscreants.
The request for deployment was submitted on the recommendation of the provincial police officer and the inspector general of police (IGP) of Punjab.
According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department, the province has requested the deployment of 137 companies of Army and Rangers personnel in 39 districts. The request includes 61 companies of Pakistan Army and 76 companies of Rangers.
The notification contains a detailed district-level deployment plan for key districts across Punjab. It is proposed to deploy troops for varying periods from the 1st day of Muharram to the 10th, 11th or 12th, depending on local security requirements.
Major deployments have been proposed in Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Gujranwala, Sargodha and other districts, with varying numbers of Army and Ranger companies assigned for security duties during the sensitive days of Muharram.
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Some districts, including Kasur and Murree, have not been assigned Army or Ranger personnel, while others, such as Lahore, Faisalabad and Pakpattan, have been assigned larger contingents due to anticipated security needs.
The Department of the Interior stated that law enforcement agencies would fulfill their duties to ensure a peaceful environment and effective security measures during religious celebrations.
The spokesperson added that the request was sent to the Home Ministry on the recommendation of the Punjab Police to further tighten security measures during Muharram.
