Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar has said that a comprehensive contingency and communication plan should be prepared immediately for security arrangements during Muharram-ul-Haram.
He directed all districts, ranges, and police zones to review their existing security plans and make them more effective and result-oriented. He emphasized that there would be no compromise on the security of Majalis and processions, and that the protection of citizens’ lives and property remains the Sindh Government’s top priority.
Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar further instructed that extraordinary security arrangements be made at sensitive locations, Imambargahs, and procession routes.
He also directed authorities to ensure strict monitoring of miscreants, proscribed organizations, and suspicious individuals. He ordered strict implementation of legal restrictions on persons listed under the Fourth Schedule and continuous surveillance of their activities.
The Sindh Home Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining regular coordination and holding meetings with district- and police station-level peace committees to promote harmony and brotherhood among all schools of thought. He also directed authorities to conduct comprehensive surveys, security audits, and threat assessments of Majalis venues and procession routes.
He instructed the relevant authorities to keep the Anti-Riot Force, reserve police, and other concerned personnel on high alert. He further ordered a detailed review of the availability of weapons, ammunition, anti-riot kits, and other essential equipmens.
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar also stressed the need to keep modern control rooms and communication systems fully operational and to ensure prompt response through effective coordination and communication.
Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar directed for indiscriminate action against religious hatred, provocative material, wall chalking, and the distribution of illegal pamphlets. He also instructed strict enforcement of the Loudspeaker Act and the prescribed code of conduct. Furthermore, he ordered the preparation for a comprehensive traffic management plan to ensure smooth traffic flow during Muharram-ul-Haram.
He underscored the importance of strengthening coordination and intelligence-sharing mechanisms among all law enforcement agencies to effectively counter any potential threats in a timely manner.
He said that the Sindh Government would utilize all available resources to ensure the peaceful observance of Muharram-ul-Haram 2026 and that any negligence or lapse in security arrangements would not be tolerated.
Meeting Held at Sukkur District Council for Peaceful Observance of Muharram ul Haram
A meeting was held at the District Council Hall, Sukkur, under the chairmanship of Vice Chairman Akhtar Ali Khan Mahar to discuss the sanctity of Muharram ul Haram, law and order and the provision of facilities for Azadari processions here on Sunday. The meeting was organized by Sukkur District Council.
Chief Whip of District Council Taqi Khan Dharejo, Focal Person to Provincial Minister for Local Government Irfan Ali Daudputo, Director Local Government Zafar Iqbal Phulpoto, Chief Officer District Council Zafar Iqbal Mughal and Focal Person of District Administration Samandar Bhutto attended the meeting.
Prominent Shia scholars from Sukkur, Rohri and Salehpat, representatives of Matami Anjumans and Azadari Committees, along with officials and representatives from SEPCO, Public Health Engineering, local government bodies, Sindh Solid Waste Management Board and volunteer organizations also participated.
Religious scholars and representatives of Azadari organizations highlighted potential issues faced by mourners. They briefed the forum on Muharram procession routes, security, cleanliness, load-shedding, clean drinking water, sewerage and medical facilities.
District administration and relevant departments reaffirmed their commitment to ensure timely provision of all possible facilities during Muharram ul Haram. They pledged to keep procession routes clean, ensure uninterrupted power supply, and maintain peace and order. Participants were assured that a control room and focal persons would be appointed for immediate redressal of public complaints.
Addressing the meeting, District Council Vice Chairman Akhtar Ali Khan Mahar said, “The sanctity of Muharram ul Haram is binding on all of us. All departments will fulfill their responsibilities in coordination to facilitate mourners.”
The meeting concluded with a prayer for interfaith harmony, unity, and the country’s peace and stability. An appeal was also made to all schools of thought to maintain a peaceful environment and cooperate with the administration.