With more than 5,900 religious gatherings and mourning processions scheduled across Faisalabad Division during Muharram-ul-Haram, the Punjab Cabinet Committee (PCC) on Law & Order has reviewed extensive security and administrative arrangements, declaring the province fully prepared to ensure a peaceful observance of the sacred month through inter-sect harmony, enhanced surveillance and unprecedented coordination among civil administration, police and security agencies.
PCC reviews security plan for Muharram in Faisalabad division
FAISALABAD, Jun 08 (APP): With more than 5,900 religious gatherings and mourning processions scheduled across Faisalabad Division during Muharram-ul-Haram, the Punjab Cabinet Committee (PCC) on Law & Order has reviewed extensive security and administrative arrangements, declaring the province fully prepared to ensure a peaceful observance of the sacred month through inter-sect harmony, enhanced surveillance and unprecedented coordination among civil administration, police and security agencies.
Acting on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz, the Cabinet Committee on Law & Order visited Faisalabad to assess Muharram arrangements and hold consultations with the Divisional Peace Committee and religious scholars representing various schools of thought.
The committee was led by Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee Khawaja Salman Rafique and Provincial Minister and Co-Chairman Bilal Yasin.
Provincial Ministers Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth and Bilal Akbar Khan also accompanied the delegation.
Secretary Auqaf Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, Additional Inspector General CTD Waseem Sial, Additional Inspector General Imran Arshad and Chief Coordinator PFTIC Brigadier Asjad Ali were also present.
Divisional Commissioner Faisalabad Madam Musarrat Jabeen and Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sohail Akhtar Sukhaira briefed the committee about the security strategy and administrative measures put in place across the division.
The meeting was informed that comprehensive arrangements have been finalized for 4,402 majalis and 1,528 mourning processions to be held in the four districts of Faisalabad division during Muharram-ul-Haram.
The authorities have issued district entry restriction orders against 166 firebrand speakers and imposed speaking bans on 116 others to prevent the spread of sectarian hatred and maintain law & order.
The officials further informed the committee that 328 individuals have been placed on the Fourth Schedule in Faisalabad while security plans have been implemented for 10,707 mosques, 653 imam bargahs and 1,576 madrassahs across the division.
To strengthen security, 12 companies of the Pakistan Army and 10 companies of Rangers would assist police and civil administration during Muharram-related activities.
Advanced monitoring systems, intelligence-based operations and surveillance measures would also be employed to ensure public safety, the officials added.
Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique said that the cabinet committee is visiting divisions across Punjab on the instructions of Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz to personally review arrangements.
He expressed satisfaction over preparedness of the administration and law enforcement agencies, stating that Punjab has made exemplary arrangements and all departments are fully ready to meet any challenge.
He said that the government is moving towards a peaceful Muharram under the principle of inter-sect harmony. However, cooperation among religious scholars, community leaders and state institutions is imperative for maintaining peace, he added.
Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin directed the administration to ensure strict implementation of all rules & regulations issued by the Home Department.
He stressed the need for effective enforcement of the ban on illegal use of loudspeakers and called upon all stakeholders to adhere to the code of conduct devised for Muharram.
Provincial Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth highlighted the importance of technology-driven security measures, saying that effective use of modern technology is indispensable for ensuring a peaceful Muharram.
He also proposed the establishment of cyber patrolling cells in all districts on the pattern of Home Department to monitor and curb online hate content and misinformation.
Provincial Minister Bilal Akbar Khan urged religious leaders to emphasize peace, tolerance and law-abiding conduct during Juma sermons and throughout Muharram-ul-Haram.
He also called upon followers of all schools of thought to refrain from activities that could create unrest particularly on social media platforms.
Deputy commissioners, district police officers and representatives of relevant departments from Faisalabad, Jhang, Chiniot and Toba Tek Singh attended the meeting and shared updates regarding local arrangements and contingency planning.
The cabinet committee also met members of the Divisional Peace Committee and prominent Ulema and Mashaikh from various schools of thought.
The religious leaders expressed satisfaction over the administrative and security measures adopted for Muharram-ul-Haram and assured their full cooperation in maintaining peace and religious harmony.
Members of Peace Committee said that they are united in their commitment to ensure a peaceful Muharram across the division. They informed the committee that in coordination with the administration they are visiting procession routes and places of worship to address the issues proactively and strengthen community confidence.
Later, special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of the country, national unity and the peaceful observance of Muharram-ul-Haram throughout Punjab.
