LAHORE:
Punjab has remained peaceful despite heightened regional tensions following the Iran-Israel conflict, with authorities crediting coordinated security arrangements and the role of religious scholars in promoting sectarian harmony during recent religious events.
Officials said two consecutive Fridays as well as Ramazn 21 passed across the province without any incidents of terrorism or sectarian violence, describing the situation as a positive sign of stability at a time when tensions in the wider region remain high.
The provincial government, under the supervision of Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique, has been engaging religious scholars from different sects to promote unity and ensure peaceful observance of religious gatherings.
Authorities said meetings with prominent Sunni and Shia scholars were held at the Punjab Home Department to strengthen cooperation and encourage messages of tolerance and harmony among communities.
Officials noted that the participation of scholars in these efforts played a significant role in maintaining calm during sensitive occasions.
Speaking at one such gathering, Khawaja Salman Rafique said that all segments of society were standing behind law enforcement agencies to ensure peace and stability in the province.
He said the responsible conduct shown by religious scholars and the public during Yaum-e-Shahdat Hazrat Ali reflected the importance of unity and mutual respect in maintaining law and order.
Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and Khateeb of the Badshahi Mosque, Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabeer Azad, also stressed the need for unity among Muslims, saying that solidarity was essential to address challenges facing the Muslim world.
He appreciated the role of authorities and religious scholars in ensuring peaceful religious observances.
According to officials, extensive security arrangements were made across Punjab to ensure safety during religious gatherings and rallies.
More than 83,000 police personnel, including members of the Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit (PRU) and Elite Force, were deployed to guard over 32,500 mosques, Imambargahs and other religious sites.
Authorities said additional security measures were taken for 136 Youm-e-Quds rallies and other congregations, where more than 25,000 officers and personnel performed security duties.
Monitoring was carried out through CCTV cameras and aerial surveillance using quadcopters to maintain close watch on sensitive areas.
Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr Usman Anwar directed that strict security arrangements be ensured at major markets, public places, religious sites, police posts, sensitive installations and inter-provincial checkpoints.
Law enforcement agencies were also instructed to maintain vigilance against possible threats, suspicious activities and sectarian miscreants.
Search and combing operations were also carried out in different areas as part of precautionary measures to prevent any attempt to disturb peace, officials said.
Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi said the peaceful environment was the result of coordinated efforts by various departments, including the police, Rescue 1122 and health authorities, which worked together to ensure smooth conduct of religious events.
