Latest news with #Majalis
Express Tribune
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Over 100k security personnel deployed
Punjab government has enforced a comprehensive and high-alert security plan for the obsersance of Ashrura across the province. Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, senior officers, including Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, IGP Dr Usman Anwar and Home Secretary Ahmed Javed Qazi reviewed the arrangements for the occasion in Multan and other cities. According to the police, more than 108,000 law-enforcement personnel have been deployed for the security of 1,691 mourning processions and 3,903 Majalis across the province. Lahore has seen the deployment of over 10,000 police personnel for 81 processions and 386 gatherings. The PSCA has enhanced surveillance with over 1,600 cameras.
Business Recorder
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Punjab government's comprehensive arrangements for Muharram
Muharram-ul-Haram is a sacred month that symbolises the deep reverence, love, and emotional attachment Muslims hold for the Ahl-e-Bayt (the family of the Holy Prophet—PBUH). Devotion to the Ahl-e-Bayt is not merely a cultural tradition, but an integral part of our faith. A Muslim's belief remains incomplete without acknowledging the status and sacrifices of the Ahl-e-Bayt. The sacrifices offered by the Ahl-e-Bayt for the cause of Islam are eternal and unforgettable. Their unwavering commitment to uphold the truth and protect the essence of Islam has been etched in history with golden letters. The martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his loyal companions in the battlefield of Karbala is a heart-wrenching yet heroic chapter of Islamic history. The courageous stance taken by Bibi Zainab (SA) after the tragedy of Karbala, as she confronted Yazid in his court and fearlessly voiced the truth, remains a timeless example of strength and resilience for all women. Alongside Bibi Khadija (SA) and Bibi Fatima (SA), Bibi Zainab (SA) stand as a role model for Muslim women across generations. Every year, Muslims around the world, including in Pakistan, observe Ashura with great respect and mourning to honour the martyrs of Karbala. In Punjab, the largest province of Pakistan, mourning processions and Majalis are held at a significant scale. This year, over 38,000 Majalis and 9,200 mourning processions will take place across the province. To ensure the safety of these religious gatherings, more than 232,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed, assisted by 38,000 volunteers working alongside security forces. For the first time, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, special arrangements have been made to provide langar (free food) and cold beverages for the participants of Muharram processions and Majalis. Now in its second year, the Maryam Nawaz-led government has proactively made extensive arrangements ahead of Ashura. Roads and streets along procession routes have been repaired, and hazardous electric wiring has been secured in advance in key areas where mourning activities will take place. In a significant shift in governance, for the first time, police and district administration officials are personally visiting licensed organisers of Majalis and processions, listening to their concerns, and ensuring all necessary facilitation. All arrangements are being made in full consultation with licence-holders, keeping them on board at every step. Moreover, special water stalls have been set up across Punjab for the comfort of mourners, and water spraying along the procession routes will help mitigate the effects of the summer heat. This proactive and inclusive approach to public service reflects the personal commitment of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who is directly overseeing these arrangements to ensure that the needs of the Shiite community and all mourners are met with dignity and respect. The role of Punjab's Inspector General of Police and the Chief Secretary has been pivotal, as both senior officials are closely monitoring these preparations. Additionally, Punjab's Minister for Information, Azma Bukhari, has played a key role. Her thoughtful recommendations regarding Muharram arrangements were wholeheartedly approved by the Chief Minister, leading to the successful implementation of widespread measures across the province. To counter any threats of sectarianism or hate speech, strict vigilance is being maintained. A special monitoring cell has been established in the Home Department of Punjab, and on the instructions of Provincial Minister Azma Bukhari, a separate monitoring cell at DGPR is actively supervising all social media platforms. Director General Public Relations, Ghulam Saghir Shahid, personally reviews daily briefings from the digital media team to ensure a swift response to any malicious content. As responsible citizens, it is our collective duty to refrain from spreading divisive narratives, sectarian propaganda, or hate speech during this sacred month. Muharram is a time to reflect, remember, and express our devotion to the Ahl-e-Bayt. Let us honour this month by promoting peace, unity, and compassion, and by demonstrating responsible citizenship in every possible way. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Azma calls for strict enforcement of Muharram SOPs
LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has directed that strict compliance with the Punjab government's Muharram SOPs must be ensured. She emphasized that no changes should be made to traditional procession routes. Adequate lighting, water sprinkling, and CCTV coverage along the routes must be ensured without exception, she said. She urged scholars from all schools of thought to promote patience, tolerance, and interfaith harmony. She also warned of immediate and strict action against those spreading religious hatred on social media. On the special directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Information Minister visited Jhang to review the arrangements for the month of Muharram. During the visit, the minister chaired a high-level meeting with district administration, law enforcement agencies and members of the peace committee. Deputy Commissioner Ali Akbar Bhindar and DPO Captain Bilal Iftikhar Kayani (R) gave a detailed briefing on the security arrangements, procession routes and facilities during Muharram. The meeting was also attended by Commissioner Faisalabad Maryam Khan, RPO Zeeshan Asghar, MPA Colonel Ghazanfar Abbas Qureshi (R), former assembly members Muhammad Aslam Bharwana, Muhammad Yaqoob Sheikh, Faisal Hayat Jabboana, Khalid Ghani, Sahibzada Maulana Muhammad Asif Muawiya, Ameer Abbas Sial, along with district peace committee members and Majalis organizers. MPA Colonel Ghazanfar Abbas Qureshi (R) stated that all religious sects are united for peace and are working together to maintain harmony in the district. Later, the minister visited the Safe City Authority Control Room where she was briefed on the real-time CCTV monitoring of the 6th Muharram processions. The Deputy Commissioner informed her that all main procession routes are being continuously monitored through surveillance cameras. Azma Bokhari also inspected Sabeel points across Jhang city, reviewing cleanliness, water availability, and the performance of Food Authority teams. She instructed the concerned departments to ensure that there is no compromise on cleanliness and water quality at these Sabeel stations. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
‘Special Muharram Cell' established at Governor House
KARACHI: The Sindh Governor Mohammed Kamran Khan Tessori has announced the establishment of a 'Special Muharram Cell or Control Room' to resolve all the issues including security, electricity, stagnant rainwater and roads in Muharram ul Haram at the Governor House here on Sunday. Talking to media persons after a meeting with Ulema along with Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Mohammed Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, the Sindh Governor said that the Governor House is open to all schools of thought to arrange their programs including Majalis, and 12 Rabiul Awwal. He said we have to be away from difference of opinion and have to bring the people at one platform for respect and unity. Tessori said that everyone has to play its role for the development and prosperity of the country. He said that no example is seen in the world like 'Karbala'. Speaking about the recent Indian aggression, he said that Pakistan gave a befitting response to her (India). Replying to a question regarding bumpy roads in the city, the Governor said that they would talk to the administration for the resolution to the problem. He said that a Special Cell is being established for the purpose in the Muharram ul Haram. Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Mohammed Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi on the occasion welcomed the announcement of establishing a Special Cell in the Governor House. Ashrafi said that he was against disrespecting to any school of thought. He said that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is Hafiz e Quran. He said that the people, who met him out of the country were praising Pakistan for giving a befitting response to India.
Business Recorder
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Comprehensive security plan finalised for Muharram: Azma
LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has confirmed that Rangers and army personnel have been called in to support security during Muharram. 'Several sleeper cells have already been detained by security agencies, and surveillance of other threats is ongoing,' she said, while talking to media, here on Thursday. On the directives of chief minister Punjab, all necessary preparations to maintain law and order during Muharram have been completed across the province, Azma said. 'In the light of the ongoing Iran-Israel tensions, this year's Muharram holds special significance. Therefore, religious scholars from all schools of thought have been urged to promote messages of peace, tolerance and unity.' Azma Bokhari shared that over 38,000 Majalis and more than 9,000 processions are expected across Punjab. To secure these events, over 238,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed, along with 35,000 volunteers. Specialized units including Dolphin Force and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) will also remain active, she added. She maintained that a strict Code of Conduct has been issued and will be strictly enforced. Any hate content on social media will be dealt with immediately, and the cyber security force is fully mobilized in this regard. Azma Bokhari emphasised that there will be a complete ban on the use of drones for coverage or any other purposes during Muharram. Anti-drone systems will be deployed, and additional systems are being hired from other agencies. She also said that hanging electric wires are being urgently repaired and there will be no power outages during Majalis. Control rooms have been established in all major cities and are now operational. Wall chalking and hate banners will be completely banned. In 18 cities across Punjab, she said, Safe City cameras will monitor processions, and additional cameras are being installed along procession routes'. Azma Bokhari further informed media that cold water and beverage stalls will be set up for mourners as per the chief minister's directions. All Sabeels will be registered and monitored by the Food Department to ensure quality. WASA water tankers will sprinkle water on roads, and 'Clinics on Wheels' will accompany processions, she added. A detailed traffic management plan has also been prepared. District administrations will issue traffic advisories 24 hours prior to processions, and all relevant officers will assume their positions before June 29, she said. She concluded by saying that the suspension of mobile services and ban on pillion riding will be decided in due course based on the law and order situation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
