The federal government has approved the nationwide deployment of the Pakistan Army and civil armed forces (CAFs) to assist with security during Muharram-ul-Haram.
According to a notification from the Ministry of Interior, issued in response to formal requests from all provincial governments as well as the administrations of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the Islamabad Capital Territory, troops will be deployed under Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. The measure is intended to support civil authorities in maintaining peace and order during the religious observance.
The notification noted that the number, timing, and locations of deployments will be decided by respective regional administrations in consultation with relevant stakeholders, based on ground assessments. The timeline for de-requisitioning troops will also be agreed upon later.
Copies of the directive were shared with key federal and regional institutions, including defence authorities, Rangers, Frontier Corps, police chiefs, and regulatory bodies.
Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is observed with mourning to mark the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) in the Battle of Karbala. Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, falls on July 6 and will see large gatherings and processions, prompting heightened security measures.
A day earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a meeting to finalise the national security plan for Muharram. The meeting reviewed preparations across all provinces and regions.
It was decided to take strict action against those spreading sectarian hatred, especially via social media. The government will issue directives to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to curb hate content online and on air.
Any decision to suspend mobile or internet services will be made in consultation with provinces, based on security assessments. Minister Naqvi stressed that such decisions must be guided by real-time ground realities.
The overall aim, officials said, is to ensure a peaceful environment throughout the month, especially during the first ten days when religious activity peaks.
