CM orders foolproof Muharram security

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday conducted a law and order meeting at the CM House where he reviewed Muharram’s arrangements, directed security for Majalis and processions.

Officials said CM Murad Ali Shah presiding over a joint meeting with administration and religious scholars finalised arrangements for Majalis and processions of Muharram ul Haram. There would be no loadshedding from Muharram 1 to 12 for which he issued directives to the KE, Hesco and Sepco.

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon, Nasir Shah, Saeed Ghani, Ziaul Hassan Lanjhar, and Riaz Shah Shirazi, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon, Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi and others. The CM said that his province has the honour of being above the religious and sectarian considerations where people live together peacefully. “I am sure this practice of mutual respect would strengthen further,” he said. In consultation with religious scholars, he directed the IGP to provide necessary security to the Majalis and Muharram processions all over Sindh.

“I want you [IGP] to consult with the Shia Ulema and prepare the security plan accordingly,” he said. The Ulema pointed out that most of the roads and drains in the city were better, but even then drainage systems in the streets, particularly where Majalis were scheduled to be held, needed to be improved. At this, the CM directed the water board to ensure the repair of the drainage system in the city. The KMC should repair its roads, if necessary.

He also directed the water board to provide water to the masajid and Majalis. Shah directed the Solid Waste Management Board to further focus on the sweeping and cleanliness of roads and streets for Majalis and processions.

The Ulema complained of loadshedding in their areas in the city and requested the CM to direct the K-Electric not to resort to loadshedding during the holy month of Muharram, particularly from Muharram 1 to 12. At this, the CM directed KE representatives to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to masajids and Majalis. He told the administration all over Sindh to cooperate with the organisers of the Majalis in renewing their permits.

He directed Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani to visit Imambargahs and masajids so that their issues could be resolved. The CM directed Minister P&D and Energy Nasir Shah to talk to KE, Hesco and Sepco and ask them not to resort to loadshedding from Muharram 1 to 12. On the directives of the CM, D Nasir Shah would convene a meeting of the power distribution companies, administration and Ulema in his office. He told the Ulema that he was available for redressal of their grievances, if any.

Bohra Jamat leader

CM Syed Murad Ali Shah directed the administration and the city police to ensure foolproof security and other arrangements on the arrival and stay of the spiritual leader of Dawoodi Bohra Jamaat Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin during the month of Muharram. He issued these directives while presiding over a meeting specially convened to review the arrangements for the presidential guest, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, at the CM House.

Home Minister Zia Lanjhar, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, PSCM Agha Wasif, IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon, Dawoodi Bohra Jamaat representatives Kumail Yunus and other officers attended the meeting.

The CM said that Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin was visiting Karachi on the invitation of President of Pakistan Asif Zardari during the holy month of Muharram. He added that the necessary arrangements, including repair of roads, and streetlights, if any, in the areas of his stay may be carried out along with necessary security measures.

Shah directed the Karachi commissioner and the IGP Sindh to hold meetings with the Bohra community representatives and take decisions in consultation with them.