On the directions of the Chief Minister of Punjab, the Home Department closely monitored Youm-e-Quds processions across the province through its central control room. Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique and Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi remained present at the department’s central control room to oversee the security arrangements.
The Home Secretary briefed the participants on the overall situation across Punjab, while Additional Inspector General (Operations) Punjab, Muhammad Ali Nekokara, was also present on the occasion. The chairman of the cabinet committee reviewed the live monitoring of processions taking place throughout the province.
According to officials, a total of 128 Youm-e-Quds processions were monitored from the central control room, while foolproof security arrangements were ensured for 37,231 mosques across Punjab for Friday prayers.
The central control room remained linked with district-level control rooms throughout the province. Khawaja Salman Rafique contacted the control rooms in various districts individually to obtain updates on the security situation.
Speaking on the occasion, Khawaja Salman Rafique said that, on the directives of the Chief Minister, the law and order situation across the province was being continuously monitored. He said the processions were observed through CCTV cameras and thousands of Punjab Police personnel were deployed to perform security duties.
He added that special security arrangements were made along the procession routes and the administration made every effort to ensure that all processions concluded within the scheduled time. The government is also implementing a zero-tolerance policy against individuals spreading sectarian hatred on social media.
Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi stated that all relevant departments, including police, Rescue 1122 and the health department, remained in full coordination during the observance of Youm-e-Quds. He said that provocative speeches and display of weapons were strictly prohibited.
He further said that, besides CCTV surveillance, aerial monitoring through quadcopters was also carried out for major processions. The Home Department’s cyber patrolling cell is actively taking action against those involved in spreading sectarian content online.
Citizens have also been urged to report sectarian content on social media via WhatsApp at 03073087777 and 03073097777. Officials from law-enforcement agencies and the Deputy Secretary for Internal Security remained stationed at the Home Department’s control room during the monitoring process.
