Muharram preparations: DC, Shia elders discuss security arrangements for city

Ban imposed on objectionable wall-chalking, posters

PESHAWAR: The district administration of Peshawar held a meeting with Shia elders on Monday to discuss security arrangements for Muharram.

The meeting discussed the law and order situation and necessary preparations for the month, said Peshawar Deputy Commissioner Riaz Mehsud who chaired the meeting. “All stakeholders must take such measures so that the month passes peacefully.” The DC has requested citizens to cooperate with the government.

Imamia Jirga Secretary General Sardar Sajjad Hussain Zahid, who was also present at the meeting, said they want to observe Muharram in peace. He presented a list of demands to the DC, saying his community was otherwise pleased with the preparations. The town nazims and representatives of the sanitation services in the city have promised to replace rusted water pipes before the month starts.

The district administration has imposed Section 144 on objectionable wall-chalking and pasting of such posters on walls and other such activities. The DC has said that action would be taken against those who violate the instructions. He told the participants to inform the district administration and the police of any suspicious activity.

Meanwhile, Shia Ulema Council Pakistan Central President Alama Arif Hussain said the sacrifices made by innocent people would bear fruit. He was addressing participants at an oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected body of provincial secretariat of the council on Monday. He appreciated the efforts of security forces in fighting militancy. The oath was taken by nine members of the council.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 6^th, 2015.