MIANWALI: Senior civil and police officials have intensified preparations for Muharramul Haram in Mianwali, reviewing security and administrative arrangements to ensure peaceful observance of the religious month across the district.
Security Concerns in Sargodha Division
According to officials, the Sargodha Division is considered among the most sensitive regions of Punjab during Muharram, with Mianwali requiring special attention due to its sectarian sensitivities. Authorities noted that a dispute over a procession route in Kalabagh during Chehlum two years ago resulted in the deaths of two people and left several others injured. The situation was subsequently resolved through the efforts of local administration, police, peace committees and religious leaders.
High-Level Oversight
Keeping in view the importance of maintaining harmony, Commissioner Sargodha Hafiz Shaukat Ali and Regional Police Officer (RPO) Muhammad Shehzad Asif Khan have been actively overseeing preparations ahead of Muharram, including meetings of divisional and district peace committees and reviews of procession routes and security plans.
In this regard, the RPO and Commissioner, accompanied by District Police Officer (DPO) Waqar Azim Kharal and Deputy Commissioner Asad Abbas Magsi, chaired a high-level meeting in Mianwali to review law and order, security and administrative arrangements for Muharram. The meeting was attended by officials from the police, district administration and other relevant departments.
Security Briefing and Directives
Participants were briefed on security plans for processions and religious gatherings, monitoring of sensitive locations, CCTV surveillance, traffic management, emergency response measures and inter-agency coordination. Addressing the meeting, the commissioner and RPO directed all departments to ensure strict implementation of the security plan and provide complete protection to participants of processions and majalis. They stressed the need for close coordination among all institutions to maintain peace and security during Muharram.
