‘Sindh govt to ensure security, other facilities in Muharram’

The government would ensure the provision of security and local government facilities during the month of Muharram, said Sindh Local Government Minister and Information Syed Nasir Hussain Shah.

Meeting scholars at the Sindh Secretariat on Thursday, Shah ordered the municipal commissioners of all districts to remain active and provide relief to the people. He claimed that highways, roads and streets would be repaired during the month.

He further maintained that religious harmony would be promoted and security provided in the province. "No one will be allowed to spread religious hatred," he said. "Providing protection to the people is the Sindh government's responsibility."

Shah pledged that the authorities would offer better facilities to those carrying out majalis and processions, as compared to the preceding year.

The provincial minister added that the police had been asked to make fool-proof security arrangements for Imambargahs and procession routes.

"Special Branch officers, rapid response force and snipers should be deployed [at sensitive spots]," he said, adding that special permits should be issued for religious gatherings. Moreover, people should continue to follow the standard operating procedures to control the spread of coronavirus, he added.

Meanwhile, addressing K-Electric officials, Shah insisted that in the light of the Supreme Court's orders, the city should have an uninterrupted power supply, especially at religious gatherings.

The local government secretary said that special cleaning activities were being carried out in all districts even before Muharram began, while areas around Imambargahs and mosques were being disinfected.

IGP reviews security arrangements

Meanwhile, Sindh IGP Mushtaq Ahmed Mahar held a meeting via video link on Thursday to review security arrangements at the zonal and district levels of Karachi for Muharram.

The meeting was also attended by religious scholars, who expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements made by the police and assured their complete support.

Mahar stressed the need for full liaison and cooperation with organisers for securing the venues for the main majalis, procession routes and processions coming from different districts of the city.

He also issued special orders to the Traffic DIG to maintain the traffic flow and alternative routes during Muharram.

Meanwhile, the Operations AIG was assigned the responsibilities of the focal person for Muharram security measures.

Moreover, Mahar directed the relevant officials to form WhatsApp groups to enable communication between clerics, AIGs, DIGs and district SSPs.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 21^st, 2020.