TAXILA: Representatives and officials from the district administration of Attock on Saturday met members of the district peace committee, religious leaders from different schools of thought and administrators of imambargahs to finalise standard operating procedures (SOPs) for majalis and processions to be held in and after Muharram.

The meeting, held at the deputy commissioner’s office, was presided over by Punjab Minister for Revenue retired Col Malik Mohammad Anwar and attended by Public Accounts Committee Chairman Syed Yawar Abbas Bokhari, MPA Jamshaid Altaf, Deputy Commissioner Ali Annan Qammar and District Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani and others.Addressing the participants, Mr Khan stressed the need to utilise all resources for maintaining religious harmony, brotherhood and peace during Muharram.

The government, he said, was grateful to scholars for establishing peace during Eidul Azha. He expressed the hope that a similar atmosphere of brotherhood and fraternity would be maintained during Muharram.

He directed law enforcement agencies to utilise all their energies towards ensuring law and order. The security plan for majalis and processions should be fully implemented, he added.

Mr Qammar emphasised the need to wear masks, social distancing and use of sanitisers during religious activities. He urged the management of processions and majalis to ensure social distancing and adherence to all Covid-19 SOPs during religious congregations.

“Social distancing of 6ft is mandatory; mourners should avoid touching, kissing and hugging devotional objects while tabarruk [food and drinks] should only be distributed in disposable utensils.” he added.

DPO Hamdani said only licenced and traditional processions will be allowed across the district. He said a security plan should be formulated in this regard and its effective implementation should be made certain.

Arrangements for checking of participants of majalis and processions through metal detectors should be made, he said, directing all police officials to maintain close liaison with peace committees and organisers of majalis during Muharram.

He ordered issuing of special cards to police officials, deputed for security of religious gatherings and imambargahs. Members of the district peace committee along with representatives from imambargahs also shared suggestions, which were noted for compliance.

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2020