The Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, led by Provincial Minister for Health Khawaja Salman Rafique and Co-Chairman Bilal Yaseen, conducted a review of arrangements for the 983rd annual Ghusl-e-Mazar ceremony of Hazrat Ali bin Usman Al-Hajveri (Data Ganj Bakhsh) on Monday. The ceremony is scheduled for the 9th of Muharram at Data Darbar in Lahore.
Inspection and Meeting Details
The provincial ministers visited the shrine to inspect administrative, security, and public facilitation arrangements. They were accompanied by Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi, Secretary Auqaf Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, Deputy Commissioner Lahore, DIG Operations Lahore, CTO Lahore, Additional Secretary Special Initiatives, the administrator of Data Darbar, and other officials. During a subsequent review meeting, relevant authorities briefed the committee on security, traffic management, medical facilities, and other arrangements for the annual ceremony. The ministers also offered prayers at the shrine for the country's prosperity, peace, and stability.
Official Statements on Security and Facilitation
Speaking on the occasion, Salman Rafique stated that on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, all arrangements for Muharram and the 983rd annual Ghusl ceremony had been finalized. He noted that the administration had completed satisfactory arrangements to facilitate devotees and visitors. He added that the Ghusl ceremony would be monitored through CCTV cameras to ensure effective security and crowd management.
Bilal Yaseen directed authorities to make the best possible arrangements for security, medical services, traffic routes, and parking facilities during the ceremony. He said teams of the Punjab Food Authority would continuously monitor langar and sabeel arrangements to prevent the distribution of adulterated or unhygienic food and drinks. He further stated that the Punjab government had made foolproof security arrangements for Muharram across the province, adding that cabinet members had visited various districts to review security measures and remained actively engaged in the field.
Home Department Directives
Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi said the Home Department had issued important directives regarding security arrangements for Muharram and the annual Ghusl ceremony. He emphasized ensuring the availability of fire brigade units, bomb disposal squads, Rescue 1122 ambulances, and medical staff at the venue. He also directed that loudspeakers should only be used at designated and authorized locations in accordance with prescribed regulations.
In a separate development, the Assistant Commissioner of Vehari reviewed arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram in the district, focusing on security and public convenience.
