FAISALABAD, Jun 20 (APP):Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bukhari has directed the administrations concerned to adopt an extensive security, traffic management and public facilitation strategy for ensuring peaceful observance of religious events during Muharram-ul-Haram. She was chairing a high-level meeting in Faisalabad to review arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram, on Saturday. Punjab Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar Khan, Divisional Commissioner Madam Musarrat Jabeen, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sohail Akhtar Sukhaira, …
Azma orders comprehensive security, traffic and public facilitation plan during Muharram
FAISALABAD, Jun 20 (APP):Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bukhari has directed the administrations concerned to adopt an extensive security, traffic management and public facilitation strategy for ensuring peaceful observance of religious events during Muharram-ul-Haram.
She was chairing a high-level meeting in Faisalabad to review arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram, on Saturday. Punjab Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar Khan, Divisional Commissioner Madam Musarrat Jabeen, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sohail Akhtar Sukhaira, Chief Traffic Officer (CTO), deputy commissioners and district police officers from across the division also attended the meeting.
The meeting conducted a detailed review of security measures, law & order arrangements, traffic management plans and public service initiatives being finalized for Muharram processions and religious gatherings.
Senior administrative and police officials briefed the ministers on preparedness, deployment plans and coordination mechanisms to ensure smooth conduct of events throughout the sacred month.
Addressing participants, Azma Bukhari directed all concerned departments to ensure foolproof security arrangements for every majlis and procession route.
She said that no effort should be spared to prevent any untoward incident and instructed the administrative and law-enforcement agencies to work in close coordination to maintain peace and public safety.
She said that Punjab government attached the highest importance to the protection of mourners and participants in Muharram events. The government was also committed to provide a secure environment for religious observances, she added.
The minister stressed that effective communication among all institutions would be critical for timely response to any emerging situation.
Recognizing the challenges posed by the prevailing summer heat, Azma Bukhari ordered special public facilitation measures including the establishment of water distribution points outside mosques during Ashura.
These arrangements would help provide relief to worshippers and citizens participating in religious activities during extreme weather conditions, she added.
The minister said that district administrations remained in continuous contact with organizers of majalis and processions and that all arrangements were being finalized through mutual consultation and cooperation.
The collaborative approach would help address local concerns and ensure the smooth implementation of security and management plans, she added.
The meeting was also informed that comprehensive security and administrative arrangements would be put in place for the annual Urs celebrations of Hazrat Sultan Bahoo (RA) as well as for the Shahadat Conference scheduled in Chiniot district.
Azma Bukhari directed authorities to ensure that all necessary precautions and organizational measures were completed well before the events.
To mitigate the impact of intense heat on participants, she announced that procession routes would be regularly sprinkled with cold water.
She said that smog guns had also been made available in Faisalabad to support cooling efforts and improve comfort for mourners attending outdoor religious gatherings.
Highlighting the importance of public awareness, the minister directed relevant departments to launch an extensive information campaign through both traditional and social media platforms.
She said that the citizens should be kept fully informed about traffic diversions, security arrangements, emergency services and other important instructions related to Muharram activities.
Azma Bukhari further revealed that administrative officers across the division were maintaining regular contact with religious scholars belonging to all schools of thought.
She said that joint efforts were underway to strengthen inter-sect harmony, promote mutual respect and foster an atmosphere of unity during Muharram-ul-Haram.
The minister reaffirmed the Punjab government’s commitment to preserving peace, brotherhood and religious harmony throughout the holy month.
All available resources would be utilized to facilitate mourners and ensure that religious activities were conducted in a secure and organized manner, she added.
Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar stressed the need for adequate police deployment outside mosques and imambargahs.
He also directed traffic police officials to keep the public informed about alternate routes and traffic diversions well in advance to minimize inconvenience during processions.
