No compromise on Muharram security, civic arrangements: Commissioner

LAHORE, Jun 16 (APP): Commissioner Lahore Division Marryam Khan on Tuesday reviewed security and municipal arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram in Nankana Sahib and directed the authorities concerned to ensure completion of all necessary preparations, including road patchwork, lighting and drainage works, well before the start of the holy month.

During her visit, Commissioner Marryam Khan inspected the central procession route from start to finish, and visited the Central Imambargah Qasr-e-Fatima.

Deputy Commissioner Rao Tasleem and DPO Arsalan Zahid briefed the delegation on security and administrative arrangements for Muharram.

The Commissioner also reviewed facilities being provided by the district administration, including Muharram camps, sabeels, drinking water and other public services. She paid a special visit to the central control room and examined the monitoring mechanism in place for Muharram processions and gatherings.

Commissioner Marryam Khan met organizers and licence holders of major imambargahs, who expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the district administration.

She directed departments concerned to remove hanging wires and complete road repair work within the prescribed timelines, stressing that assistant commissioners would obtain route clearance certificates from relevant officials and no compromise would be made

on public safety.

She said the Punjab government had issued clear instructions regarding Muharram arrangements and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was personally monitoring preparations across the province. All arrangements, she added, would be ensured in accordance with government directions and standard operating procedures.

Later, Commissioner Marryam Khan and RPO Athar Ismail co-chaired a District Peace Committee meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, attended by religious scholars, prayer leaders, administrative officers, police officials and representatives of various departments.

Addressing the meeting, the commissioner urged religious leaders to promote unity, tolerance and interfaith harmony and advised them to verify any information or rumours with the administration before sharing it. The RPO said there would be zero tolerance for hate

speech and inflammatory material.

The Commissioner further directed officials to revisit all procession and majlis routes across categories and finalize comprehensive arrangements in consultation with all stakeholders.

She also instructed deputy commissioners and district police officers to remain in close coordination with organizers and community representatives throughout Muharram.