Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that strict security arrangements have been finalized across Punjab on the occasion of Youm-e-Shahadat Hazrat Ali (RA), with more than 30,000 police officers and personnel deployed to ensure the safety of mourning processions and religious gatherings. She expressed these views while addressing a press conference at DGPR alongside Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Punjab Salma Butt, while Secretary Food Safety and Consumer Protection Department Dr. Kiran Khurshid was also present on the occasion.
Azma Bokhari said that Pakistan is giving an effective response to Fitna al-Khawarij, and the country’s security forces possess the full capability to foil the malicious designs of enemies. She added that the government and security institutions are working together to maintain peace and stability in the country and to protect the lives of citizens.
The provincial information minister remarked that if the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa follows the public service model introduced by Maryam Nawaz, it would be a matter of great satisfaction. She stated that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also our own people, and it is encouraging to see them benefiting from the Sahulat Bazaars established in Punjab, where essential items are being provided to the public at subsidized prices during the holy month of Ramadan.
Azma Bokhari further said that while the KP government claims to be providing a Ramadan relief package, the public does not seem to see any visible impact of it. In contrast, she noted that the Punjab government’s welfare initiatives and Ramadan relief programs are clearly reaching the people, and their positive impact is visible to the common citizen. She emphasized that governance should focus on genuine public service rather than mere meetings or photo sessions.
She also stated that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deserve the same level of relief, quality education, healthcare facilities, and access to affordable commodities, as these are the fundamental rights of every citizen.
Referring to the global economic situation, Azma Bokhari said that the government is closely monitoring the challenges arising from international developments. She noted that global oil prices increased by nearly 23 percent in a single day, reflecting the impact of international tensions and economic pressures. Despite these challenges, she said the government is making every possible effort to maintain stability, ensure peace in the country, and minimize the impact of global economic fluctuations on the people.
Regarding security arrangements for Youm-e-Shahadat Hazrat Ali (RA), Azma Bokhari said that comprehensive and strict security measures have been implemented throughout Punjab to ensure peaceful observance of the day. She said that more than 30,000 police personnel will be deployed across the province, including over 8,000 officers and personnel in Lahore alone, to provide security for 217 mourning processions and 994 religious gatherings (majalis). She added that 2,029 metal detectors and 297 walkthrough gates will be used for checking participants, while lady police officers will be deployed for the security screening of female mourners. She further said that plainclothes commandos and rooftop snipers will also be stationed along procession routes to ensure maximum security and maintain law and order across the province.