Youm-ul-Quds Processions Conclude Peacefully Across Punjab: Minister Salman

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Mar, 2026) Punjab Health Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique on Friday said that Youm-ul-Quds processions across the province concluded peacefully due to effective coordination and security arrangements. He congratulated the Punjab Police, Rescue 1122, the Home Department, the Health Department and other relevant institutions for their excellent performance.

He expressed these views during his visit to the Central Control Room of the Home Department, where he reviewed security arrangements and monitoring of Youm-ul-Quds processions across the province. Secretary Home Department Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi and Additional Inspector General of Police Muhammad Ali Nikokara were also present on the occasion. The Home Secretary briefed the minister about the overall security situation.

Officials informed the meeting that a total of 128 Youm-ul-Quds processions were monitored across Punjab through the Home Department’s Central Control Room. Foolproof security arrangements were also ensured for Friday prayers in 37,231 mosques throughout the province. The central control room was connected with district control rooms across Punjab to maintain continuous coordination and monitoring.

Khawaja Salman Rafique contacted district control rooms one by one and obtained updates on the security situation. He said that on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the law and order situation across the province was being continuously reviewed and monitored.

The provincial minister said that the Youm-ul-Quds processions were closely monitored through CCTV cameras and thousands of Punjab Police personnel performed their duties across the province to ensure peace. He added that with the joint efforts of the administration and law enforcement agencies, all processions concluded on time in a peaceful manner.

He further said that the government was following a zero-tolerance policy against individuals spreading sectarianism on social media.

Secretary Home Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi said that all relevant departments remained in complete coordination with the police, Rescue 1122 and the Health Department to ensure peaceful observance of Youm-ul-Quds. He added that continuous monitoring of the processions was carried out through CCTV cameras, while a strict ban on provocative speeches and the display of weapons remained in place across Punjab.

He said aerial surveillance of major processions was conducted through quadcopters to enhance security. The Cyber Patrol Cell of the Home Department was also taking action against individuals involved in spreading sectarianism online.

Citizens have been urged to report sectarian content on social media through WhatsApp numbers 03073087777 and 03073097777.

Deputy Secretary Internal Security and representatives of other law enforcement agencies were also present in the Home Department’s control room to ensure coordinated monitoring and response during the Youm-ul-Quds processions.