Security tightened in Hyderabad division for Muharram

HYDERABAD:

Security has been tightened in Hyderabad Division's border areas adjoining Balochistan ahead of Muharram-ul-Haram, with authorities ordering enhanced deployments, uninterrupted utilities during religious gatherings, and a crackdown on hate material and provocative online activity.

Divisional Commissioner Hyderabad Fayaz Hussain Abbasi chaired a meeting at Shahbaz Building to review and finalise security and civic arrangements for the sacred month. Officers of district administration and law enforcement agencies were directed to ensure peace, inter-sectarian harmony and a calm environment during Muharram.

Officials from police, Rangers, intelligence agencies, health, HESCO, SSGC, Rescue 1122, municipal bodies and other departments attended the meeting in person. Deputy Commissioners and SSPs of Badin, Dadu, Jamshoro, Matiari, Sujawal, Thatta, Tando Allahyar and Tando Muhammad Khan joined via video link.

Addressing the session, the commissioner asked all DCs and SSPs to brief him on their detailed plans to ensure peaceful conduct of majalis and processions. Deputy Commissioners briefed the forum on the number of gatherings, security deployment plans, and other arrangements in their districts.

Abbasi stressed uninterrupted electricity and gas supply during the timings of majalis and processions, and underlined the need for additional security measures in sensitive areas.

The meeting also reviewed traffic management, emergency response, medical facilities, and coordination plans between civil and law enforcement agencies.

SSP Badin told the meeting that misuse of social media and fake news during Muharram could pose serious challenges. He said an effective system was needed for timely monitoring, prevention and removal of hate material and provocative online content.