Law and order: Extraordinary care needed during Ashura

CM orders four-tier cordons around mourning processions, majalis.

LAHORE:

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Sunday that extraordinary security arrangements were needed to maintain public safety during Ashura.

Sharif was chairing a meeting convened to review security arrangements for Ashura.  He directed officials to ensure that the security plan formulated in this regard was adhered to. Sharif instructed officials to ensure foolproof security at majalis and processions.



He directed officials to create a four-tier security cordon around each. The chief minister ordered senior officials to personally supervise the arrangements. He directed them to show zero-tolerance towards those found guilty of delivering provocative speeches and distributing inflammatory material. Sharif said law enforcement agencies should ensure effective coordination and keep suspected miscreants under surveillance.

The chief minister also addressed meetings in Multan and Rawalpindi regarding this through a video link. He said the nation was at a critical juncture in its history as terrorism and religious extremism had shaken the county’s foundations. Sharif said it was imperative for the people to unite to foil the conspiracies of anti-state elements.

He ordered law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and discharge their duties effectively. The chief minister said the people would foil the designs of anti-state elements and expressed hope for a peaceful Ashura. The chief minister said the ban on use of loudspeakers and display of firearms should be strictly enforced. Sharif said action should be taken against those found guilty of flouting the ban.

The chief minister said the cabinet committee should also review security arrangements. He directed officials to ensure that religious leaders played their role in maintaining sectarian harmony and public order.

Home Minister Shuja Khanzada said extraordinary security arrangements had been made this year. He said the cabinet committee had been meeting regularly in this regard and a control room had been functioning round-the-clock. The minister said district peace committees had been empowered and were proactively maintaining sectarian harmony and public order.

Inspector General Mushtaq Ahmed Sukhera and Home Secretary Azam Suleiman briefed those present regarding the arrangements. They said additional resources had been provided for maintaining public order and an effective monitoring system had been put in place. Regional police officers and commissioners of Multan and Rawalpindi also informed those present regarding security arrangements in those divisions.

Food Minister Bilal Yasin, Labour Minister Raja Ashfaq Sarwar and former law minister Rana Sanaullah were also present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2014.