Islamabad to Monitor Muharram Processions with Drones

Authorities will monitor Muharram processions and religious gatherings in Islamabad through drones and digital surveillance as part of an extensive security plan aimed at maintaining peace during the holy month.

The announcement came after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting to review Muharram security arrangements in the federal capital.

According to the Interior Ministry, geo-tagging of all imambargahs, majalis venues and procession routes has been completed, while a central control room has been established at Safe City Islamabad to oversee operations.

The ministry also launched a mobile application, “Mehfooz Muharram,” enabling citizens to report suspicious activities, security concerns and incidents. The app includes live location and image-sharing features to support real-time coordination.

A four-tier security cordon will be enforced around processions and religious gatherings. Naqvi directed authorities to conduct strict checks at entry and exit points and ensure the effective implementation of a comprehensive traffic management plan.

“The code of conduct must be strictly enforced. A zero-tolerance policy should be adopted against provocative material,” the minister said, stressing close coordination with religious scholars and event organisers.

Officials informed the meeting that security audits of all processions and majalis had been completed, while Aman and Nigehban committees had been activated to support law and order efforts.

Separately, an official revealed that more than 15,000 security personnel, including Islamabad Police, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies, had been deployed across the capital. The security plan will remain in effect from the first of Muharram until the nineteenth of Safar.

Authorities expect over 170 processions and approximately 930 majalis to take place during Muharram. To strengthen surveillance, more than 3,000 CCTV cameras will monitor events in real time, while over 500 traffic police personnel will manage traffic flow and reduce disruptions.

Security agencies have also intensified search and combing operations across Islamabad as a preventive measure against potential threats.