Punjab seeks Army, Rangers deployment for Muharram security
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
The Punjab government has requested the deployment of Pakistan Army and Rangers personnel to strengthen security arrangements during Muharram-ul-Haram. In this regard, the Punjab Home Department has sent a formal request to the Ministry of Interior seeking assistance from the armed forces and Rangers to help maintain peace and order during the holy month. Officials said the province has asked for a total of 137 companies to be deployed across 39 districts. The request includes 61 companies of the Pakistan Army and 76 companies of the Rangers. According to the proposed plan, security personnel will remain deployed from the 1st to the 11th of Muharram. Their placement will be determined according to the security needs of each district to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of religious processions and gatherings.