Lahore, Punjab: The federal government approved the deployment of Pakistan Army and Rangers personnel across the province for Muharram processions, officials said.
The approval followed a request from the Punjab government to the Ministry of Interior for security forces on June 24.
Army and Rangers personnel will reach all districts on the evening of 8 Muharram. The deployed forces will support the Punjab Police on 9 Muharram and 10 Muharram, known as Ashura, to maintain law and order during processions and gatherings.
A joint flag march involving police and Army personnel will take place in Lahore as part of security preparations. Army and Rangers personnel will coordinate with the respective Deputy Commissioners in each district.
Read: 9th Muharram Security Finalised Across Pakistan
The Punjab Home Department said the request aimed to ensure peaceful observance of Muharram across the province. A Punjab Home Department spokesperson said the province sought 137 companies of Army and Rangers personnel across 39 districts.
The request includes 61 companies of the Pakistan Army and 76 companies of Rangers, the spokesperson said. The provincial home department sent a letter to the Ministry of Interior seeking support from the security forces.
The notification said the request followed recommendations from the Provincial Police Officer and Inspector General of Police, Punjab. Officials cited the prevailing security environment and the need for a deliberate security mechanism during Muharram.
The notification said the deployment would help counter potential threats from terrorists and other miscreants.
The Punjab Ashura security plan covers processions and religious gatherings during the most sensitive days of Muharram.
