Balochistan Police finalize security plan for Muharram, religious leaders and traders pledge full cooperation

QUETTA, Jun 12 (APP): Inspector General of Police Balochistan, Muhammad Tahir, has announced that extensive security measures are being put in place across the province to ensure peace and safety during the Muharram.

He emphasized that the directives issued by the Balochistan government will be strictly implemented, and the security of processions and religious gatherings will be guaranteed at all costs.

A high-level meeting was convened to review preparations for Muharram, focusing on law and order, security arrangements, and the promotion of inter-sectarian harmony.

The session brought together senior police and administrative officials, representatives of law enforcement agencies, religious scholars from both Shia and Sunni communities, and leaders of the traders’ associations. Among those present were Additional IG Operations Shehzad Akbar, DIG Quetta Imran Shoukat, Commissioner Quetta Division Shahzaib Khan Kakar, DIG Special Branch Tahir Alauddin, Deputy Commissioner Quetta Mehrullah Badini, as well as prominent clerics and community leaders.

Addressing the gathering, IG Muhammad Tahir outlined a detailed security plan. He explained that police and other law enforcement personnel would be deployed along procession routes, while Imam Bargahs and sensitive locations would be monitored through CCTV cameras.

He added that aerial surveillance would be conducted during the major processions on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, and live monitoring systems across the city would remain fully active. Snipers would be positioned on rooftops along key routes, female constables would be assigned to women’s gatherings, and traffic wardens would be deployed to maintain smooth flow on alternative routes. He further noted that strict checking would be carried out at the city’s entry and exit points to strengthen overall security.

Religious scholars speaking at the meeting highlighted the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala, describing them as a beacon of guidance for the Muslim Ummah. They stressed the importance of unity, patience, and brotherhood, warning against divisive elements who attempt to spread sectarianism and hatred. The clerics urged citizens to reject rumors and misinformation, and to rely only on official sources. They pledged to use sermons and Friday addresses to promote national unity, religious tolerance, and peace, ensuring that Muharram becomes a source of solidarity.

Leaders of the traders’ community also expressed their full support. Abdul Rahim Kakar, President of the Markazi Anjuma-e-Tajran, assured that shopkeepers along traditional procession routes would cooperate with authorities by sealing their shops as a precautionary measure. He emphasized that the business community would stand shoulder to shoulder with the administration to maintain peace and order.

Commissioner Quetta Division Shahzaib Khan Kakar added that mourners would be provided with all possible facilities. He directed departments to ensure cleanliness along procession routes, repair roads, restore street lighting, and guarantee water supply. He also instructed the electricity and gas companies to provide uninterrupted services, while the Health Department was tasked with keeping hospitals on emergency footing, with additional staff, ambulances, and medicines available throughout Muharram.

The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from religious leaders, traders, and officials to uphold peace and harmony during the holy month. Participants expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements and pledged full cooperation with the police and administration to ensure that Muharram passes peacefully across Balochistan.