Commissioner Karachi Syed Hasan Naqvi, accompanied by Additional Inspector General (AIG) Police Karachi Azad Khan and other officials, visited the route of the main Ashura-e-Muharram procession on Tuesday to review arrangements. The inspection focused on law and order, security, cleanliness, and civic services, according to a spokesperson.
Officials Present During the Inspection
DIG Traffic Peer Muhammad Shah, Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso, Deputy Commissioner East Nasarullah Abbasi, DIG South Asad Raza, DIG East Farooq Ali, Director Planning Nasim Bhutto, representatives from the Solid Waste Management Board and Water Corporation, and Municipal Commissioners of South and East Town Municipal Administrations accompanied the Commissioner. The officials briefed the Commissioner on security and civic facility arrangements for processions and Majalis during Muharram-ul-Haram.
Key Directives Given by Commissioner
The Commissioner directed concerned officers to maintain close coordination with procession and Majalis organizers, remain available in the field, and make facility arrangements in consultation with them. He emphasized the need for a well-planned strategy for comprehensive security measures for all processions, including the main Ashura procession.
Security Measures and Surveillance
Authorities have installed the required number of CCTV cameras and established control rooms for surveillance. Control rooms will also be set up in offices of Deputy Commissioners and DIGs of Police. The Commissioner was informed that medical facilities, water coolers (Sabeels), toilets, and parking have been arranged at procession and majalis sites. Special arrangements have been made to maintain smooth traffic flow, with alternative routes identified and publicized widely.
Infrastructure and Cleanliness Efforts
The Commissioner received a briefing on work carried out for Muharram-ul-Haram, including cleanliness drives, road repairs, resolution of sewerage complaints, removal of encroachments along procession routes, and installation of street lights. This work was accomplished through cooperation of the Metropolitan Corporation, Solid Waste Management Board, Water Corporation, and various Town Administrations.
Control Room and Emergency Contacts
On the Commissioner's directives, a Control Room has been established at the Commissioner Karachi Office, reachable at 021-99205634 and 021-99203443. Rescue 1299 has also been alerted to coordinate between institutions and organizers. Citizens can contact these numbers for any assistance.
