LAHORE: A total of 36,304 police personnel were deployed across south Punjab for the security of 12,022 Majalis and mourning processions to ensure peace and security during Muharram.

As per official sources, the government has deployed 15,919 personnel for the security of 9,240 Majalis and 20,385 personnel and officers to secure 2,782 mourning processions in different districts of south Punjab.

Punjab Minister for Schools and Higher Education Rana Sikandar Hayat is conducting a visit to Multan division to monitor the Muharram security arrangements. He says that he will remain in Multan division until Youm-i-Ashur (10th of Muharram) to oversee the security measures.

Multan Commissioner Maryam Khan briefed that 3,182 congregations and 910 processions will take place in the division, adding that orders have been issued for the district confinement of 86 scholars and orators, while speech restrictions have been placed on 60 individuals, to ensure peace.

Multan Regional Police Officer (RPO) retired Capt Sohail Chaudhry mentioned that a comprehensive security plan has been devised to maintain peace during Muharram, with 10,000 personnel deployed for the security of processions in the division.

A crackdown has also been launched on social media on those spreading unverified content promoting religious hatred, the RPO says.

During his visit to Multan, Mr Hayat inspected the Daulat Gate central Imambargah and procession routes, engaging with the organisers and mourners.

Addressing mourners at the central Imambargah, the minister emphasised tolerance, patience, and fraternity during Muharram.

He stressed the collective responsibility of organisers and security officials in maintaining an atmosphere of peace, and highlighted the government’s communication with all religious sects to uphold law and order.

Mr Hayat also noted that the government has decided not to suspend mobile pone services on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, except the areas along the procession routes. Earlier, he visited the control room established in the deputy commissioner’s office office.

Meanwhile, Multan Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sandhu said the processions and gatherings on the 9th of Muharram were conducted peacefully throughout the district, amid security red alert.

Speaking to the media during his visit to the central mourning procession in Mumtazabad, accompanied by CPO Sadiq Ali Dogar, he said Rangers and other security forces patrolled the procession routes, adding that similar measures would be in place for the 10th of Muharram.The officers were given briefings on the security arrangements, by civil defense, Rescue 1122, and health officials, while they also held a meeting with mourners.

Meanwhile, South Punjab Additional Chief Secretary Fawad Hashim Rabbani and Additional Inspector General of Police Kamran Khan visited Layyah district on Tuesday to review the Muharram security arrangements.

During their visit, they inspected the routes of mourning processions, accompanied by Layyah Deputy Commissioner Ameera Baidar and DPO Asadur Rehman.

Mr Rabbani said that the civil administration and police have made foolproof security arrangements for Muharram, with control rooms established in the offices of DCs across all districts of south Punjab.

He said CCTV cameras have been installed on the routes of Majalis and processions, and monitoring is being conducted from the control rooms with the assistance of Rangers and the Pakistan Army.

He highlighted the positive role of Ulema in maintaining peace and noted the support from peace committee members.

He appealed to people to cooperate with the administration and police and to be vigilant against miscreants.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2024