Youm-e-Quds Processions Conclude Peacefully Across Punjab

By Dr Ansab Ali — Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Processions held across Punjab to mark Youm-e-Quds concluded peacefully on Friday, with provincial authorities praising law enforcement and emergency services for maintaining security and order throughout the day.
Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique commended the Punjab Police, Rescue 1122, the Home Department, the Health Department, and other relevant institutions for what he described as “excellent arrangements” to ensure the smooth conduct of the rallies.
The remarks were made during his visit to the Central Control Room of the Punjab Home Department, where he reviewed security measures for the Youm-e-Quds processions. Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi and Additional Inspector General Muhammad Ali Nikokara were also present during the briefing.
According to officials, a total of 128 Youm-e-Quds processions were monitored across the province through the Home Department’s central control room. Authorities also ensured comprehensive security arrangements for Friday prayers in more than 37,000 mosques across Punjab.
The provincial control room remained connected with district-level control rooms throughout the province, allowing officials to maintain real-time coordination. Rafique personally contacted several district control rooms to receive updates on the situation.
Speaking on the occasion, the provincial minister said that the law-and-order situation is being continuously monitored across Punjab on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He added that the processions were monitored through CCTV cameras, while thousands of police personnel were deployed across the province to ensure security.
“With the joint efforts of the administration and law enforcement agencies, all Youm-e-Quds processions concluded peacefully and on schedule,” he said, adding that authorities are pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against individuals spreading sectarian content on social media.
Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi said that all relevant departments remained in close coordination with the police, Rescue 1122, and health authorities throughout the day. He added that provocative speeches and the public display of weapons were strictly prohibited across Punjab, while aerial surveillance of major processions was conducted using quadcopters.
Officials also said that the Home Department’s Cyber Patrol Cell is actively monitoring online platforms and taking action against individuals involved in spreading sectarian content. Citizens have been encouraged to report such material via WhatsApp at 0307-3087777 and 0307-3097777.
Deputy Secretary for Internal Security and representatives of various law-enforcement agencies were also present at the Home Department’s control room to oversee the monitoring operations.