A high-level meeting chaired by Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar was held at the Central Police Office (CPO), Karachi, to review the law and order situation and security arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram 1448 AH / 2026. The meeting undertook a detailed review of security measures across the province, contingency planning, intelligence coordination, protection of processions and religious gatherings (Majalis), and emergency response mechanisms during Muharram. Addressing the meeting, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar stated that maintaining peace and order during Muharram-ul-Haram remains the Sindh Government’s foremost priority. He directed all districts, ranges, and police zones to further strengthen and enhance their security plans, contingency measures, and response mechanisms. He emphasized that special attention must be given to the security of sensitive processions, Majalis, and religious gatherings, and that any negligence or lapse would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Sindh Home Minister instructed that intelligence-based operations, search operations, and combing activities be intensified during Muharram-ul-Haram to effectively counter any potential threats in a timely manner. He further directed strict implementation of the code of conduct, security guidelines, and government directives issued by the Sindh Home Department. He stressed the importance of maintaining continuous engagement with peace committees, religious scholars, Zakireen, and organizers of processions and Majalis. During the meeting, the Sindh Home Minister highlighted the need for effective monitoring of provocative, hateful, and sectarian speeches and materials. He issued special instructions to the Addl. IGP Special Branch and Addl. IGP CTD to ensure continuous monitoring of social media platforms, public gatherings, Majalis, and other activities. He directed that immediate and indiscriminate legal action be taken against individuals involved in spreading provocative, hateful, or sectarian content, inciting lawlessness, or attempting to disrupt public order.
Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar further directed that CCTV monitoring systems, command and control centers, and emergency response units across all districts remain fully operational to ensure prompt and effective responses in any emergency situation. He stated that Sindh Police would remain fully alert throughout Muharram-ul-Haram to safeguard the lives and property of citizens and maintain law and order. Sindh Home Minister also directed the IGP Sindh to utilize modern technology for the effective monitoring of major and sensitive processions during Muharram.
He instructed that comprehensive recommendations regarding the use of drones for monitoring procession routes, sensitive locations, and crowd management be submitted to the Sindh Home Department without delay. He further directed that available drones currently in use by the Traffic Police be incorporated into the Muharram security and traffic management plan to facilitate aerial surveillance, traffic flow management, crowd control, and timely identification of any emergency situations. He observed that the effective use of modern surveillance systems could significantly strengthen and integrate security measures.
Briefing the meeting, IGP Sindh Javed Alam Odho informed participants that security arrangements, bomb disposal sweeps, snap checking, and surveillance measures along the routes of processions and Majalis were being further enhanced. He stated that continuous coordination and information-sharing among Safe City systems, the CPO Monitoring System, and district control rooms were being ensured to facilitate rapid response to any situation. The IGP further stated that Sindh Police, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence organizations were working in close coordination to ensure the effective implementation of all security measures. He added that reserve personnel, Quick Response Force units, and emergency plans had been kept fully operational to deal with any untoward incident. The Addl. IGP Karachi briefed the meeting and informed participants that Karachi Police had finalized comprehensive and effective security arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar reaffirmed the commitment of the Sindh Government and law enforcement agencies to utilize all available resources for maintaining peace and order, promoting religious harmony, and protecting the lives and property of citizens during Muharram-ul-Haram.
He noted that public cooperation, timely information-sharing, and collective efforts would play a vital role in ensuring sustainable peace. The meeting was attended in person by the Addl. IG CTD, Addl. IG Special Branch, Addl. IG Operations, all Zonal DIGs of Karachi, the DIG Traffic, and Special Secretary Home Sindh Saeed Ahmed.
The DIGs of Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, and Shaheed Benazirabad Ranges, along with all SSPs across Sindh, participated via video link. During the meeting, the IGP Sindh, Addl. IG Karachi, and DIGs of various ranges also delivered detailed briefings on Muharram security arrangements.