Foolproof security to be ensured in Muharram: Salman

LAHORE : Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has said foolproof security arrangements will be made during Muharram.

The minister was speaking at the 30th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order held in the Punjab Home Department. Provincial Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar Khan participated in the meeting through video link. During the meeting, a detailed review of the security plan for Muharram was taken. Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi and law enforcement agencies gave a briefing. The meeting directed ensuring strict security arrangements during Muharram. Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, RPOs and DPOs informed the Cabinet Committee about the arrangements. The Cabinet Committee strongly condemned the aggression by Israel in Iran.

Minister for Health and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique expressed his views and said that foolproof security arrangements will be made during Muharram.

‘Along with the police, army and Rangers will perform duties. The Cabinet Committee on Law and Order will itself visit all the districts and see the arrangements. More than 150,000 police personnel are being deployed during Muharram. During Muharram, all schools of thought should give a message of complete tolerance and brotherhood. ‘Extensive security arrangements have been made for the Urs of Hazrat Baba Farid ud din Masood Ganj Shakar (RA) and security arrangements for the Ghusal ceremony and pilgrims at the shrine of Data Ganj Bakhsh Ali Hajveri (RA) are also complete,’ the minister said.

Health Minister and Chairman Khawaja Salman Rafique said that pillion riding will be banned across Punjab on Muharram 9 and 10 under Section 144.

‘No display of weapons will be allowed during Muharram. Peace committees are being mobilised and meetings with scholars of different schools of thought are ongoing. Elements damaging the atmosphere of peace and order on social media will be dealt strictly. Those who damage the atmosphere of peace during Muharram do not deserve any concessions. During Muharram, the message of peace and brotherhood should be spread from mosques and Imambargahs,’ the minister said.

Khawaja Salman Rafique said that the role of Ittehad-e-Muslimeen Committees, Peace Committees and Ulema is very important. Provincial Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar Khan said that Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, RPOs and DPOs should remain active in the field regarding Muharram. Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi expressed his views and said that the special e-portal of the Home Department for Muharram is active and all information is available in a timely manner. The central control room has been activated regarding Muharram. The rules and regulations issued by the Home Department for Muharram should be implemented strictly. The best medical facilities should be provided to deal with the severity of the weather and emergency situations.