Punjab Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee for Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique has stated that Muharram-ul-Haram is being observed across Punjab with complete devotion, respect, and peace. He emphasized that the government is fully committed to ensuring foolproof security arrangements during the holy month.
Visit to Central Control Room
He expressed these views during a visit to the Central Control Room of the Home Department on Sunday, where Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi briefed him on the security situation and arrangements made across the province. During the visit, live monitoring of major processions and religious gatherings was reviewed from the Home Department’s control room. Khawaja Salman Rafique contacted control rooms in different districts and received updates from reporting officers regarding security measures and the overall situation. The provincial minister, accompanied by the home secretary, also visited the Digital Media Cell, where officials briefed them on cyber patrolling operations and the department’s rapid response system.
Extensive Monitoring and Geo-Tagging
Speaking on the occasion, Khawaja Salman Rafique said that more than 37,000 religious gatherings and over 9,000 processions are being continuously monitored throughout Punjab. He said geo-tagging of all major processions and gatherings had been completed and surveillance was being carried out through an extensive camera monitoring system.
Ministerial Supervision and Cyber Actions
He further said that, on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, cabinet ministers are visiting various districts to personally supervise Muharram arrangements and ensure the effective implementation of security plans. The minister stated that the Home Department’s Cyber Patrol Cell is actively taking action against individuals involved in spreading sectarianism and incitement. He added that strict implementation of all rules and regulations issued by the Home Department is being ensured across the province.
Home Secretary on Social Media Monitoring
Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi said that social media accounts involved in spreading sectarian hatred are being blocked, while legal action and arrests are being carried out against those promoting provocative content online. He emphasized that a zero-tolerance policy is being followed against elements involved in incitement through social media platforms. He also noted that respected religious scholars are playing an important role in promoting the message of inter-Muslim harmony and unity through their sermons during Muharram.
Special Home Secretary Faisal Farid, Additional Secretary Internal Security Maham Asif Malik, and other relevant officers were also present during the visit.
