Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan on Thursday visited several imambargahs in Kohat’s Bangash area to review security and administrative arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram. Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Kohat Muhammad Nawaz Wazir and Assistant Commissioner Naveed Ahmad, the minister met imambargah administrators, local elders and mourners, and listened to their concerns regarding security and civic facilities.
Inspection of Arrangements
During the visit, he inspected arrangements for security, sanitation, electricity and water supply, as well as entry and exit routes and emergency response measures put in place for Muharram processions and gatherings. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Jan said maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of mourners remained the government’s foremost priority during Muharram.
Provincial Security Plans
He said comprehensive district-level security plans had been formulated on the directives of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi and were being implemented across the province. The minister said more than 43,000 police personnel had been deployed throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to perform Muharram security duties, while modern surveillance and monitoring systems were also being utilised to strengthen security arrangements.
Coordination and Directives
He said the district administration and law-enforcement agencies were working in close coordination to facilitate mourners and ensure the peaceful observance of Muharram. He directed the relevant departments to address issues faced by imambargahs without delay and to complete all necessary arrangements ahead of Ashura. Mr Jan also emphasised the importance of promoting inter-sect harmony, tolerance and brotherhood, urging all segments of society to contribute towards maintaining peace during the holy month.
Government Commitment
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring a secure environment for mourners, he said every possible measure was being taken to facilitate religious observances across the province.
