The Punjab government has requested the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Rangers to ensure peace and order during Muharram throughout the province.

This move comes as part of a comprehensive plan to maintain security during the sensitive period of the holy month.

Sources indicate that the Punjab Home Department has recommended the federal government the services of 160 companies of the Pakistan Army and Rangers. Specifically, 81 companies of the Pakistan Rangers and 79 companies of the Army have been requested to provide security from 1 to 10 Muharram.

These forces will be deployed across various districts in Punjab to address any potential security concerns.

The request for military assistance underscores the importance of maintaining law and order during Muharram, a time when large processions and gatherings are held to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions.

To further ensure safety, instructions have been issued to WAPDA and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) to inspect and secure wiring and resolve any gas leakage problems along the routes of Muharram processions. This preventive measure aims to eliminate any hazards that could endanger the participants or disrupt the events.

Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the government has already announced two consecutive public holidays to mark the occasion of Ashura. These holidays are slated for Muharram 9 and 10.

The exact dates of these holidays, however, hinge on the decision of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee regarding the sighting of the Muharram moon. If the moon is sighted on the evening of July 6, then Muharram 1 will fall on July 7. Consequently, Ashura will be observed on July 15 and 16, corresponding to Monday and Tuesday. In this scenario, the public holidays will also be on July 15 and 16.

Alternatively, if the new Islamic year commences on July 8, then Ashura will be marked on July 16 and 17. This would result in public holidays on July 16 and 17, which are Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.