During the last three days of Ashura, the Punjab government would impose ban on pillion-riding, which is a part of the security arrangements for maintenance of law and order during Moharram-ul-Haram. This was stated by an official in a meeting, which was held to review security arrangements for Moharram-ul-Haram and law and order situation in the province here on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif.
While addressing the meeting, the CM directed that security plan evolved for maintenance of law and order and religious harmony during Moharram-ul-Haram should be strictly implemented, and administration and law-enforcement agencies should remain fully alert.
He expressed these views while addressing a meeting held to review security arrangements for Moharram-ul-Haram and law and order situation in the province here on Thursday, disclosed an official. He said the cabinet committee should ensure monitoring of security arrangements and close co-ordination between different departments throughout the province.
He also said protection of life and property of people is the responsibility of the government and the departments concerned will have to perform their duties efficiently. According to him, Pakistan is passing through a critical phase and is fighting for its survival. Nothing could be more important in the present circumstances than maintenance of peace and protection of life and property of people.
The security plan for the maintenance of law and order during Moharram-ul-Haram should be implemented effectively and all officers and officials concerned should perform their duties with a sense of responsibility. He directed that all out resources should be utilised for maintaining law and order during Moharram-ul-Haram and the departments concerned should remain fully alert.
He warned that no laxity or negligence would be tolerated in the present circumstances and the senior officers would be responsible for implementation of security arrangements in their respective areas. He directed the cabinet committee to ensure implementation of the routes and timings of the processions during Moharram-ul-Haram besides stern action should be taken against those involved in delivering provocative speeches and preparation and distribution of such material.
He expressed his displeasure over the failure to purchase sniffer dogs despite his clear instructions and directed that immediate measures should be taken for this purpose and sniffer dogs should be used for checking suspicious elements and maintenance of law and order during Moharram-ul-Haram.
"Alternate sources should be utilised in case of load-shedding during Moharram-ul-Haram and generators and other arrangements should be made for this purpose. Generators worth millions of rupees were purchase for Wasa and these should be utilised for the convenience of mourners during Moharram-ul-Haram," he added.
He directed head of cabinet committee Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa to contact Federal Minister for Water and Power for avoiding load shedding during Moharram. He also directed that joint flag march of Army, Ranger and Police should be arranged at all district headquarters and the patrolling system should be made effective. He said police force in plainclothes should be deployed in sensitive areas, while in addition to close circuit cameras, video coverage of Majalis and processions should also be arranged in these areas.
"Effective security arrangements should also be made in the border areas of Punjab. Advertisements should be given for promotion of public awareness regarding ban on pillion-riding during the last three days of Ashura and to emphasise the fact that this step has been taken for the maintenance of law and order and protection of life and property of the people," he added.
He directed police and administrative officers to spare on effort for ensuring a peaceful atmosphere during Moharram and it is the responsibility of senior Police officers to motivate Police officials to perform their duties with commitment and dedication. Earlier, the meeting was given a detailed briefing regarding the arrangements.
It was told that arrangements have been finalised for maintenance of peace during Moharram and sensitive areas and spots have been identified. Special control rooms have also been established at divisional and district levels for keeping a watchful eye on law and order situation and officers of SP rank would perform their duties in the control rooms in major cities of the province.
Help of the army could also be sought for coping with any untoward situation. More than 100,000 police officers, jawans and contingents of Elite Force would be deployed during Moharram-ul-Haram while around 45,000 volunteers and officials of special police would also be on duty.
Senior Advisor to CM Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, Provincial ministers Rana Sanaullah Khan and Ahsanuddin Qureshi, Senator Pervez Rashid, MPAs, Inspector General of Police and secretaries of home, health and prosecution departments as well as senior officers concerned were also present on the occasion.