Bureau Chief
Lahore, June 19: On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee for Faisalabad Division was held to review in detail the security, law and order, traffic management, and public facilitation arrangements for the first ten days of Muharram. The meeting was attended by Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari, Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, and Special Assistant on Political Affairs Zeeshan Malik. Following the meeting, the provincial ministers also visited the Central Imambargah Faisalabad and various procession routes.
During the meeting, Faisalabad Commissioner Musarrat Jabeen and RPO Sohail Akhtar Sukhera briefed the Cabinet Committee on Muharram arrangements, the security plan, and other administrative measures. The committee was informed that a comprehensive security plan is being fully implemented to maintain peace and order throughout Muharram.
Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari directed all Deputy Commissioners and District Police Officers to remain in continuous coordination with organizers of processions and religious gatherings and ensure strict adherence to scheduled timings. She further instructed that security measures at sensitive locations and flashpoints be strengthened to eliminate any possibility of untoward incidents.
Azma Bokhari directed the concerned departments to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, provision of cold drinking water, fans, and all other essential facilities for participants of processions and majalis. She emphasized that, in accordance with the Chief Minister’s instructions, Muharram Control Rooms must remain operational round the clock and all public complaints should be addressed promptly.
The Information Minister also instructed relevant authorities to fully engage organizers regarding the use of the Panic Button Application through QR codes installed outside Imambargahs, enabling immediate response in emergency situations. She further directed that procession routes be regularly sprinkled with water in view of the intense heat and that maximum facilities be provided to participants.
Azma Bokhari stated that a Quick Response Force has been deployed to ensure effective monitoring of fake news, sectarian propaganda, and religious hate content on social media. The force will work in close coordination with law enforcement agencies to ensure swift action against those attempting to spread misinformation or incite unrest.
She reiterated that maintaining peace and harmony during Muharram remains the Punjab Government’s foremost priority and can only be achieved through the collective efforts of the public, administration, and law enforcement agencies.
The Minister further informed that procession and majalis routes across all four districts of Faisalabad Division will be comprehensively monitored through Safe City cameras. She directed authorities to utilize all available communication channels to keep the public informed about alternate traffic routes in a timely manner, while traffic wardens should remain available at all times to guide and assist citizens.
