To ensure a secure and peaceful Muharram-ul-Haram, all relevant parties are working together in Punjab. This was the key takeaway from a meeting held on Sunday, as stated by Punjab Health Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, Khawaja Salman Rafique. The meeting, convened at the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, focused on reviewing and finalizing security arrangements.
The Cabinet Committee even conducted on-site inspections of key procession routes, including Nisar Haveli and Karbala Gamay Shah, to assess the security readiness firsthand.
Khawaja Salman Rafique announced that comprehensive security plans have been developed for Lahore Division, covering 5,235 gatherings and 927 processions. To maintain order, 76 religious speakers have been placed on a district-level watch list, and speech restrictions have been imposed on 71 individuals. A collaborative effort involving the police, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, Pakistan Army, and Rangers will be implemented throughout the month.
He emphasized that the security arrangements were made in close coordination with procession and majalis organizers. The Punjab government is also committed to providing uninterrupted electricity and water supply along all procession routes. Khawaja Salman Rafique further noted the crucial role of religious scholars in fostering harmony and unity among Muslims during Muharram.
Other officials, including Minister Bilal Yasin, stressed the importance of rooftop security deployments, while Minister Bilal Akbar Khan reported on the removal of hanging wires and road repairs to ensure safe passage for processions. Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharth mentioned ongoing province-wide security reviews through field visits. Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi detailed efforts to combat hate speech and misinformation on social media, highlighting proactive measures taken to prevent online misuse.
Members of Peace Committees, procession organizers, scholars, and Mashaikhs expressed satisfaction with the preparations. The meeting also included the Commissioner Lahore, RPO Sheikhupura, and DCs and DPOs from various districts. Participants like the Divisional Peace Committee, prominent Ulema, Mashaikh, Additional IG Special Branch, and DIG Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) offered detailed briefings and reiterated their dedication to maintaining peace during Muharram.
Separately, the Lahore District Administration, led by DC Syed Musa Raza and DIG Operations Faisal Kamran, conducted a meeting to review Muharram security measures. The session, attended by other key officials, concentrated on security protocols for central processions and majalis. Peace Committee members reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and unity, pledging to counter divisive elements. The DC emphasized the district administration’s commitment to cleanliness along procession routes and the completion of all preparations before Ashura, while the DIG hailed the Peace Committee as an “enforcement force” and the DC called them “ambassadors of peace.”