The Punjab government has put in place extensive security measures for mourning processions and religious gatherings.

Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Police Abdul Karim said that security arrangements had been finalised for 730 majalis and over 400 mourning processions being held across the province.

More than 42,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed to ensure law and order.

In Lahore alone, over 10,000 police officers and personnel have been assigned to secure 44 majalis and 17 mourning processions, sources said.

Authorities have installed 390 walkthrough gates and 6,427 metal detectors for security screening, while the Safe City Authority is monitoring processions and gatherings through its surveillance camera network.

Elite Force personnel, traffic police and volunteers have also been deployed to assist with security and traffic management.

The Punjab police chief directed Capital City Police Officers (CCPOs), Regional Police Officers (RPOs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) to personally supervise security arrangements.

Snipers have been deployed on rooftops along procession routes, while female police personnel have been assigned to frisk women mourners.

Special security arrangements have also been made for devotees attending the annual Urs of Data Ganj Bakhsh at Data Darbar.

Dedicated control rooms are monitoring both Chehlum and Urs-related activities around the clock.

IG Abdul Karim also instructed field officers to maintain close coordination with peace committees and civil society representatives to ensure the peaceful observance of the occasion.

Meanwhile, Lahore’s main Chehlum procession began from Haveli Alif Shah inside Delhi Gate under stringent security arrangements.

The procession will follow its traditional route, with mourners scheduled to offer zuhrain prayers at Wazir Khan Mosque before concluding at Karbala Gamay Shah around Maghrib.

Police said participants are being allowed to join the procession only after passing through a three-tier security screening process.

Walkthrough gates, metal detectors and electronic barriers have been installed along the route, while adjoining streets and alleys have been sealed with barbed wire and temporary barricades.

The entire procession route is being monitored through CCTV cameras, with snipers stationed on high-rise buildings overlooking the route.

Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit (PRU) teams are conducting continuous patrols around the procession to ensure comprehensive security.