Punjab govt finalises Muharram security measures: minister

LAHORE:Punjab Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that all stakeholders are united on one platform to ensure foolproof security arrangements during Muharram-ul-Haram.

He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting here on Sunday, convened to review and finalise security measures for Muharram on the special directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The Cabinet Committee also visited key procession routes, including Nisar Haveli and Karbala Gamay Shah, to inspect the on-ground security preparedness.

Khawaja Salman informed the meeting that comprehensive security plans have been finalised for all 5,235 gatherings and 927 processions across Lahore Division. He stated that 76 Zakireen and speakers have been district-listed, and speech restrictions imposed on 71 individuals to maintain peace. He added that police, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, Pakistan Army, and Rangers will jointly perform duties during the holy month.

The minister emphasised that security arrangements were made in close consultation with the organisers of processions and majalis.He also highlighted that the Punjab government is ensuring uninterrupted electricity and water supply along all procession routes. ‘The role of religious scholars is vital in promoting harmony and unity among Muslims during Muharram,’ he said.

Punjab Minister Bilal Yasin stressed the importance of rooftop deployments to enhance security, while Minister Bilal Akbar Khan informed that all hanging wires are being removed and patchwork on roads is under way to facilitate safe passage of processions. Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharth noted that security arrangements are being reviewed across the province through on-ground visits. Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi briefed the meeting on efforts to curb the spread of hate speech and misinformation on social media. He said the government has taken concrete steps to prevent the misuse of online platforms.

Members of Peace Committees, procession organisers, scholars, and Mashaikhs expressed satisfaction over the arrangements. Commissioner Lahore and RPO Sheikhupura, along with DCs and DPOs from Lahore, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, and Sheikhupura were also present in the meeting. The meeting was attended by the Divisional Peace Committee, prominent Ulema, Mashaikh, Additional IG Special Branch, and DIG Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), who all provided detailed briefings and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and harmony during Muharram.

Our correspondent adds: The Lahore District Administration reviewed comprehensive measures to ensure peace and security during the month of Muharram. In a meeting held here, presided over by DC Syed Musa Raza and DIG Operations Faisal Kamran, detailed arrangements for maintaining law and order were thoroughly reviewed. The session, which included Chief Officer Metropolitan Shahid Abbas Kathia and Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Muhammad Jafar Chaudhry, primarily focused on the security protocols for central processions and majalis. Members of the Peace Committee reiterated their commitment to fostering peace, tolerance, and unity, vowing to actively counter any divisive elements. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran underscored the Peace Committee's role as the ‘enforcement force’ of the district administration, while DC Syed Musa Raza hailed them as ‘ambassadors of peace.’ Emphasising the importance of public safety, the deputy commissioner confirmed that the district administration would ensure meticulous cleanliness of all procession routes and mandated the completion of all preparations before Ashura.