Clergy urged to limit processions

The clergy of the Shia community, in wake of present borders situation and threats of possible terrorist activity, were urged to participate in the main processions instead of bringing out multiple processions in the city on the occasion of Chelum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).

This was stated by Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Ghulam Mahmood Dogar during a meeting held at Capital City Police Headquarters conference room on Monday.

The meeting was jointly presided by the Lahore CCPO and Lahore Commissioner Muhammad Usman.

Prominent Shia community leaders, licence holders and administration of main mourning procession of the Chelum including Agha Hussain Qazalbash, Azadari Council Punjab Chairperson Syed Khurram Abbas, Syed Qasim Ali Shah, Syed Zahid Raza, Syed ul Husnain Jafri, Imran Pasha, Malik Muhammad Yaqoob Awan, Syed Zawar Haider Shamsi and others were also present.

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Reportedly, the participants of the meeting unanimously agreed on the decision of government as not to bring out group processions on the Chelum. Shia community leaders including Syed Muhammad Lal Shah, Syed Zawar Hussain Shamsi and Malik Muhammad Yaqoob Awan appealed to the participants to vigorously participate in the main mourning procession instead of come out in separate groups for the safety and security of the public.

Dogar during meeting lauded the commendable role and exemplary efforts of the Shia community in promoting interfaith harmony while ensuring law and order as well as to making Lahore a city of peace and brotherhood.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 28^th, 2021.