Rawalpindi: Arrangements for secure and peaceful observance of 4,376 religious gatherings (majalis) and 757 processions have been finalized in Rawalpindi division. To assist police in maintaining security, five companies of the army and seven companies of the Rangers will be deployed.
Cabinet Committee Meeting on Law and Order
The decisions were made during a meeting of the cabinet committee on Law and Order, held in Rawalpindi to review security arrangements for Muharram-ul-haram. The meeting was chaired by Khawaja Salman Rafique, Punjab Health Minister and Chairman of the cabinet committee, and co-chaired by Bilal Yasin, Punjab Minister. Other attendees included Punjab Ministers Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharth and Bilal Akbar Khan, Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi, Additional IG CTD, Chief Coordinator PITB, DIG Special Branch, and DG Auqaf Hafiz Anees-ur-Rehman.
Briefing on Security Measures
Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Engineer Aamir Khattak and Regional Police Officer Babar Sarfraz Alpa briefed the meeting. They stated that orders have been issued for the district barring of 199 provocative speakers and a ban on speeches by 83 others in Rawalpindi division. Additionally, 312 individuals have been placed on the Fourth Schedule in Rawalpindi.
Khawaja Salman Rafique informed participants that, on the directives of the Punjab Chief Minister, the cabinet committee is visiting all divisional headquarters to review arrangements. He stated, We are ensuring the best security arrangements for Muharram-ul-haram across Punjab. A zero-tolerance policy will be adopted against violations of the code of conduct, and punctuality of timing for processions and majalis must be ensured throughout the province.
Bilal Yasin emphasized strict security at inter-provincial and inter-district border areas, considering the severity of the weather. He added that all organizers must connect with law enforcement agencies through the public safety application. Sohaib Bharth and Bilal Akbar Khan stated that strict implementation of SOPs issued by the home department is mandatory for a safe Muharram, and procession routes should be monitored with Safe City cameras.
The Home Secretary stated that strict action will be taken against sectarian and hateful content on social media, and cyber patrolling cells should be established in all districts as per the home department's pattern. Deputy commissioners and DPOs from Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal also attended and provided briefings.
