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 Advisor 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.
On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Special Assistant for Inspection Team Shoaib Mirza conducted a late-night visit to Shahpur, Sahiwal and Sillanwali tehsils in Sargodha district to review Muharram arrangements and ensure the implementation of security and public facilitation measures.
Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Sargodha Hussain Ahmad Raza Chaudhry and District Police Officer Sohaib Ashraf, the Special Assistant inspected arrangements for majalis and mourning processions, including security measures, cleanliness, lighting, medical facilities, the panic button system and alternate traffic plans.
During the visit, Shoaib Mirza reviewed central imambargahs, venues of religious gatherings, procession routes, control points, street lighting, sanitation, drainage, security deployment, healthcare arrangements and traffic management plans. Assistant Commissioners and DSPs briefed him on measures taken to ensure the safety, convenience and smooth conduct of Muharram events.
He directed officials to provide every possible facility to mourners in accordance with the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and to ensure uninterrupted availability of proper lighting, cleanliness, drinking water stalls, Rescue 1122 services, field hospitals and emergency medical assistance along procession routes.
Reviewing the QR code-based panic button system being installed at imambargahs, Shoaib Mirza said modern technology was being utilised to further strengthen security and emergency response mechanisms.
Deputy Commissioner Hussain Ahmad Raza Chaudhry informed the delegation that all majalis and mourning processions held during the first two days of Muharram had concluded peacefully. He said a model atmosphere of peace and harmony had been maintained in the district through the coordinated efforts of the district administration, police, peace committees, organisers and the public.
He added that law and order would be ensured throughout the remaining days of Muharram and that no attempt to promote sectarianism, unrest or disorder would be allowed to succeed. Strict vigilance was being maintained against miscreants and external threats, while all law enforcement agencies remained on high alert.
Expressing satisfaction over the arrangements in all three tehsils, Shoaib Mirza appreciated the performance of administrative officers, police officials, Assistant Commissioners, DSPs and field staff. He said Muharram teaches the values of patience, tolerance, sacrifice, compassion and brotherhood, and that all institutions should continue serving the public and maintaining peace so that mourners are provided with a safe, peaceful and well-facilitated environment.