The Lahore district administration on Wednesday finalized a comprehensive plan to ensure peaceful observance of Muharram-ul-Haram, with elaborate security, monitoring, health and sanitation arrangements across the provincial capital.
Meeting Chaired by Deputy Commissioner
The plan was reviewed at a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Ijaz. Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters, Additional Deputy Commissioner Finance, Deputy Chief Officer Metropolitan Corporation Lahore and representatives of the police, LESCO, WASA, Rescue 1122, health department and other relevant agencies attended the meeting.
Key Statistics
The meeting was informed that a total of 5,235 majalis and 1,553 processions would be held in Lahore during Muharram, including 4,502 majalis and 645 processions during the first ten days of the month.
Security Arrangements
The DC directed all departments to complete necessary arrangements well before Ashura. He said procession routes would be monitored through CCTV cameras, while barriers, walk-through gates and other security infrastructure would be provided at sensitive locations. A central control room established at the DC Office will monitor 303 sensitive points round the clock. As many as 1,512 CCTV cameras have been installed along procession routes to ensure effective surveillance and security monitoring.
Health and Sanitation
For cleanliness arrangements, 1,500 workers of the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) will remain deployed. Rescue and health authorities have placed 55 ambulances and 300 motorbike ambulances on alert to respond to emergencies. The meeting was informed that a temporary hospital would be established at Central Model High School on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. In addition, 77 clinics-on-wheels and eight sabeel points will be set up to facilitate mourners. Teams of the Punjab Food Authority will inspect food and beverages being distributed at sabeels.
Infrastructure and Monitoring
DC Muhammad Ali Ijaz directed the departments concerned to complete patchwork and streetlight maintenance on procession routes without delay. He also ordered uninterrupted operation of the control room, strict monitoring of individuals listed under the Fourth Schedule, and the cleaning of sewerage lines and covering of manholes along procession routes.
Emphasis on Religious Harmony
The DC stressed that foolproof security arrangements must be ensured at all sensitive points. He said religious harmony and unity would be promoted during Muharram, adding that a zero-tolerance policy would be adopted against miscreants. He expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of citizens and coordinated efforts of all departments, Lahore would maintain exemplary peace and order during Muharram-ul-Haram.
