Lahore: On the occasion of the 8th of Muharram, processions and mourning gatherings (majalis) are taking place across the country, including the provincial capital, Lahore, under strict security arrangements.
According to details, the main procession in Lahore has set out from Imambargah Darbar Hussain, located inside Mori Gate, and will follow its designated route, concluding in the evening at Imambargah Bait-ul-Raza, located in Old Anarkali.
Shops and markets along the procession routes have been sealed for security. Mourners participating in the procession are performing matam, zanjeer zani, and sina zani (chest beating). The symbolic Zuljanah procession will pass through areas like Koocha Chiraghan, Jamia Rizvia, Bukhari Chowk, Lohari Gate, and eventually reach Anarkali.
According to the spokesperson of Lahore Police, over 58,000 police personnel are on duty across Punjab, with more than 3,600 officers and constables deployed in Lahore alone.
The spokesperson added that 1,365 processions and 3,940 majalis are scheduled across Punjab today. In Lahore, there will be 86 processions and 416 majalis. Additionally, over 27,000 community volunteers are assisting in maintaining security.
For a detailed look at security arrangements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) during Muharram 2025, click here to read the full update.
Inspector General (IG) Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, stated that a high-alert security plan is being enforced throughout the Ashra-e-Muharram. Strict implementation of Section 144 is underway, with a complete ban on aerial firing, display of weapons, and provocative speech or behavior.
He emphasized that no gatherings or processions will be allowed at unapproved locations, and the Safe Cities Authority along with district surveillance cameras are actively monitoring all activities.
The IG further mentioned that strict enforcement of the Loudspeaker Act will be ensured, and monitoring of hate speech and content on social media is ongoing. All district-level control rooms are connected to a central control room for coordinated action.
