Provincial Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar Khan, along with Chief Minister’s Adviser Zeeshan Malik, on Thursday inspected administrative and security arrangements for Ashura in Chiniot, directing the authorities to ensure exemplary facilities and a peaceful environment for the mourners.
Visit Ordered by CM Maryam Nawaz
The visit was undertaken on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to monitor preparations for Majalis and mourning processions across the province. Divisional Commissioner Madam Musarrat Jabeen, Regional Police Officer Sohail Akhtar Sukhera, Deputy Commissioner Chiniot Ayesha Rizwan, District Police Officer Dr Naveed Atif, Members of Provincial Assembly Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah and Taimur Amjad Lali also accompanied them.
Briefing on Security and Facilities
The deputy commissioner briefed the visiting delegation about administrative and security arrangements for Majalis and mourning processions, deployment of departments, establishment of Sabeels and other facilitation measures. The DPO gave a detailed briefing on the security plan for Ashura, including deployment of police personnel, surveillance, screening and monitoring of sensitive locations.
Bilal Akbar Khan and Zeeshan Malik said that, on the directions of CM Maryam Nawaz, provincial ministers were visiting districts to personally supervise administrative and security measures and ensure the best possible arrangements for mourners. They said that the administration and police were carrying out thorough inspection and screening of every section of Majalis and procession routes, while all departments had been mobilized to provide maximum facilities to mourners.
Peaceful Processions and Mobile Sabeels
They said that mourning processions were continuing peacefully across Faisalabad division during the first 10 days of Muharram-ul-Haram. In Chiniot, six mobile Sabeels had been activated to provide drinking water and other essential services to mourners, they added.
The minister and adviser appreciated the efforts of divisional and district administration and police in maintaining law and order across the district. They said that procession organizers had expressed satisfaction over the arrangements at flashpoints and other sensitive locations.
Inspection and Peace Committee Meeting
The visiting delegation also inspected procession routes and met organizers, who were assured that the administration and police were keeping a close watch on the security situation and would respond promptly to any issue. Bilal Akbar Khan and Zeeshan Malik also met members of the District Peace Committee and urged them to spread the message of tolerance, harmony, unity, patience and mutual respect. They appreciated the constructive role of religious scholars and peace committee members in maintaining peace and religious harmony during Muharram-ul-Haram.
