Shoaib Mirza reviews Muharram arrangements in Sargodha

SARGODHA, Jun 17 (APP): On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Special Assistant for Inspection Teams Shoaib Mirza visited Sargodha on Wednesday to review security, sanitation and administrative arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram across the district.

Chairing a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Committee Room, Mirza directed all officers to remain present in the field during Muharram and ensure continuous monitoring of processions and religious gatherings.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Hussain Ahmed Raza Chaudhry, District Police Officer Sohaib Ashraf, assistant commissioners and heads of various departments.

Addressing the participants, Mirza emphasized that foolproof security arrangements must be ensured through complete mapping of procession routes, majalis venues and other sensitive locations.

He warned that negligence in cleanliness, drainage, street lighting and other civic facilities along Muharram routes would not be tolerated.

The special assistant also directed authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against wall chalking, hate material and provocative activities, while continuing search and combing operations to maintain peace and order.

He said surprise inspections would be conducted during Muharram to assess on-ground arrangements.

Considering the prevailing hot weather, Mirza instructed officials to ensure the provision of sabeels, cold drinking water, mobile toilets and medical facilities at procession routes and congregation sites.

He further called for effective publicity of alternative traffic plans and coordination between Friday prayers and procession timings to avoid disruptions.

During the briefing, the DC informed the meeting that all Muharram arrangements in the district had been completed, adding that two companies of the Pakistan Army and one company of Rangers would assume security duties from the 6th of Muharram”.

The deputy commissioner said that, in addition to Safe City surveillance cameras, 380 extra cameras had been installed along procession routes. Three control rooms have also been established for monitoring, including those at the Safe City Centre, Deputy Commissioner’s Office and DPO Office.

He further informed that a total of 659 mourning processions and 2,404 majalis would be held across the district during Muharram, while audio and video recording of all Category-A processions and gatherings would be carried out.

Later, Shoaib Mirza, accompanied by the deputy commissioner and DPO, visited the Central Control Room established at the DC Office.

He reviewed the monitoring system for processions and majalis and inspected coordination mechanisms with the Home Department to ensure effective management during Muharram.